LONDON(RESEARCH WORK)

I have been asked to consider the poem “London” by William Blake and “Upon
Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth. These two poems are written by
participants of the Romantic era; a time when freedom was sought to release
people from the shackles of modern day life. This Romantic Movement was
devised in the 18th century, when the industrial revolution was prominent and
taking effect. This industrialization that was occurring led to many finding solace
in the natural world. The poem “London” describes Blake’s dislike of London and
how he views it as the downfall of modern society; he continually repeats the
word “Chartered” and sees the city as fake, regulated and unnatural.
Wordsworth, on the other hand, expresses his feelings towards London in the
form of a sonnet. This – along with his admiring language such as “Majesty” and
“Splendour”- make it clear to see that he adores the city. The moods created in
the two poems vary greatly, from dismal and hopeless in Blake’s, to proud and
ecstatic in Wordsworth’s rendition. In the following essay I will explore in greater
detail the emotions and romantic aspects of the poems, and the opinions of the
writers and audiences.

I am now going to analyse the poem “London” by William Blake, which was
written in 1792:

Blake suggests that London is very vast; additionally he infers that it is a

controlled and dictated city. Furthermore, the poem implies that London is
artificial and shows no representation of the natural world in its splendour.

“I wander through each chartered street/ Near where the chartered Thames does
flow”

By using the verb “Wander”, Blake is implying that London is bewildering. This is
because to “Wander” means to travel around with no particular destination or
purpose, or to deviate. This shows that Blake’s initial impressions of London are
that it is large, daunting and surprisingly boring, as he ”Wanders” aimlessly,
uninterested and unengaged. Additionally, “Wander” portrays a monotonous
atmosphere. The phrase “Each chartered street” suggests that everywhere in
London is defined by law and- most prominently- class. “Chartered” might also
imply that the streets of London are controlled and there is a lack of freedom. In
addition, by using the word “Each”, he is inferring that there are numerous streets
in London. Blake uses repetition by mentioning the “Chartered Thames”. By
describing the river Thames as “Chartered”, Blake is insinuating that- like the
other areas in London he has witnessed- it is under control and authority,
restricted from travelling at its own whim. Additionally, he is suggesting that the
Thames is fake and unnatural; this could reflect his idea of life and routine in
London. Blake contradicts his previous views on the river Thames when using the
word “Flow”. This contrasts with “Chartered” because “Flow” is a natural, serene
verb that suggests the river moves as it should naturally, creating a tranquil image
in the readers mind, unlike things he has previously stated. The verb “Flow” could
also infer that the river wants to break free, but cannot go against its natural
current, possibly like the inhabitants if London. Blake is drawn to the river’s
“Flow” because this is a natural process that ignites his romantic emotions, which
have currently been smothered by the modernisation of London.

Blake explains that many people he witnesses in London show signs that suggest
they have experienced hardship and trauma including themselves or their loved
ones contracting deadly diseases such as cholera, a result of the poor hygiene and
living conditions in London.

“A mark in every face I meet, / Marks of weakness, marks of woe.”

To “Mark” something means to notice or evaluate. By marking “Every face” Blake

is suggesting that out of the numerous people he encounters in London, many of
them are displaying similar expressions that give insight to their monotonous
lifestyles. The word “Marks” is repeated; this is to emphasise how many people in
London display some kind of evidence that suggests they have suffered from
“Weakness” and “Woe”. This shows that Blake sees London as intense and
overbearing, making the inhabitants feel weak due to prohibitions. On the other
hand, “Weakness” could be a reference to the life-threatening diseases that were
prominent in the 18th century. The nouns “Weakness” and “Woe” create a dismal
and desperate atmosphere

William Blake considers London a city that inflicts authority and distress upon all
who reside there. Additionally, he believes that it captures and controls the mind.

“In every voice in every ban, / The mind-forged manacles I hear:”

B y repeating the word “Every” several times, Blake emphasises that he has
witnessed many people with the same problems and strife. This shows that Blake
sees London as dull, tedious and wearisome. The word “Ban” means to officially
prohibit or forbid something. Throughout the poem, Blake explains that there are
many laws and bans in London. This could suggest why Blake exerts such negative
feelings about London. The phrase “Mind-forged manacles” suggests that because
London is clouded with stringent rules, the people who live there have become
accustomed to a regulated lifestyle and are therefore paranoid about breaking
these laws. “Mind-forged” suggests that the people of London have- in their
minds- created psychological handcuffs, restricting them from living their lives to
their full potential, instead being constantly being afraid of disobeying imaginary
rules.

William Blake explains that, in his opinion, prostitution is the biggest problem in
London, and refers to it as a “Curse”.

“But most, through midnight streets I hear, / How the youthful harlot’s curse”

By using the superlative “Most”, Blake infers that the biggest problem that arises
in London is prostitution; it out-weighs every other sin he has witnessed in the
city. By referring to the streets as “Midnight”, Blake manages to portray a
deceiving and eerie atmosphere as walking down a “Midnight street” is similar to
entering the unknown which is conventionally perceived as scary. Additionally,
the scandalous atmosphere that is created is one that would commonly be
associated with the profession. By referring to prostitution occurring on the
“Streets”, Blake is contradicting his previous idea that each street is “Chartered”
or controlled by law.

I will now analyse the poem “Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth:

From Looking at London on Westminster Bridge, William Wordsworth portrays

besotted feelings towards the city and its appearance. He also mentions briefly
about the inhabitants and hoe their views contrast with his own, claiming them to
be “Dull”,

“Earth has nothing to show more fair: / Dull would he be of soul who could pass
by / A sight so touching in its majesty:”

In addition to it being the beginning of a sentence, Wordsworth has used a capital

letter at the beginning of the noun “Earth” for the purpose of emphasising its
significance, as earth is the beholder of everything that surrounds us. Additionally,
personification is used in this instance as Wordsworth is describing earth as
capable of deliberately presenting something. The adjective “Fair” is used to
describe London as attractive and elegant; but could also mean that London is
free and unbiased; this contrasts greatly with Blake’s idea of London being dull
and trapping. Wordsworth suggests that the inhabitants of London do not
appreciate its beauty and splendour. He also infers that they have no imagination
by saying “Dull would he be of soul”. He also suggests that anyone who is not
influenced to stay and take in London’s magnificence is “Dull” and unimaginative
for passing by “A sight so touching”. By describing the sights of London as
“Touching”, Wordsworth’s romanticism is causing him to experience deep
emotional feelings towards the city. This is unusual because Wordsworth is
renowned for being emotionally moved and touched by natural forms such as
flowers, hills and the countryside. “Majesty” is used to create a royal and elegant
idea of London. It also infers that London is a proud and affluent city that exudes
sophistication.

Wordsworth embraces the dawn of the morning shining over London. He

emphasises how this time of day accentuates its radiance and allure.
“This City now doth like a garment wear / The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
/ Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie / Open unto the fields, and to
the sky / All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.”

Wordsworth uses a capital letter at the beginning of the noun “City”. This is used
to highlight how Wordsworth feels that London is of great importance and is the
centre of all commerce and influence in England. By including the simile “Like a
garment wear / The beauty of the morning” Wordsworth is suggesting that
London is flaunting itself in the morning beauty. By using the noun “Garment”,
Wordsworth implies that London is using the morning to exhibit itself in its most
abundant charm. “Garment” could also suggest that London is deliberately
steeping itself in the glow of early morning, with the intention of making itself
look more attractive; much like how a woman might use a luxurious garment to
make herself look more appealing and enticing. This idea of the “Beauty of the
morning” incorporates romantic aspects as it infers that London is more pleasing
when it is partnered with the natural splendour of the earth; in this instance, the
morning. This theory of London being aesthetically improved with natural aspects
supports Wordsworth’s belief that nature has the power to transform even the
most industrialised city into a work of magnificence. Describing this morning state
as “Silent” and “Bare” implies that this time of day is acting as a blanket, shielding
London from the usual busyness and leaving it in a serene and tranquil state.

William Wordsworth expresses his deep emotions towards London and how it is
enhanced by the power of nature and its “splendour”. Additionally, he describes
the calm atmosphere that is created in the morning, which could be perceived as
ironic due to London’s busy reputation.

“Never did the sun more beautifully steep in his first splendour, valley, rock or hill;
/ Ne’er saw I, never felt a calm so deep!”

Wordsworth claims the sun is able to cover all, of the city in its beauty and
radiance. By personifying the sun in this stanza, he is trying to describe his
perception of London as vividly and elaborately as possible, persuading the reader
to envisage London as magnificent as he sees it before him. Wordsworth also
highlights London’s importance; he claims that London is blessed with the sun’s
“First splendour”. This infers that because London is of great importance, it
deserves to be the suns first priority to saturate in its luminescence. Wordsworth
could also be implying that the sun and the morning are at their most beautiful
form in London or even that the sun shrouds the town, making it appear regal and
elegant. When Wordsworth mentions “Valley, rock or hill” he could be suggesting
that London is more beautiful than natural forms such as these. This is ironic
because Wordsworth is a renowned romantic: most of his poems such as “The
Prelude” are based in countryside locations like the Lake District, expressing
appreciative emotions to landscapes and plants. Therefore it may have shocked
readers in the 1800’s to read William Wordsworth claiming industrialised London
to be more compelling than the natural world. On the other hand, he could be
saying that- like the countryside- London has variety. This contrasts with Blake’s
perspective of London being monotonous and flat. Wordsworth could be inferring
that nature compliments London. This section of the poem exudes romanticism as
by mentioning that the sun compliments London and therefore nature never
misses an opportunity to find beauty. Wordsworth repeats the word “Never”
several times. This is to emphasise that everything he sees in London is new to
him, this contrasts with William Blake, who considers everything in London be
boring and repetitive. By describing London as “Calm”, he could be suggesting
that in the morning London is a world away the dizzying stereotype that is usually
portrayed. Wordsworth additionally says he has never felt “A calm so deep”, this
infers that he is at peace with himself and the world, despite being industrialised.

Wordsworth is compelled by the stillness of the city in the morning; he explains

that London is the “Mighty heart”, the centre of all importance in England.

“The river glideth at his own sweet will: / Dear God! The very houses seem asleep;
/ and all that mighty heart is lying still!”

The verb “Glideth” means to glide or coast. This act is free and natural and
portrays a tranquil image to the reader. By referring to the River Thames as male,
Wordsworth is exerting its importance, strength and right, as in the 18th century,
women were perceived as inadequate compared to the dominant and dominating
males. However, although Wordsworth describes the river as masculine, he also
refers to it as having “Sweet will”, this suggests that it is innocent and precious. I
can also infer that he shows admiration for the river as it does what it wishes. The
phrase “Dear God!”Emphasises Wordsworth’s disbelief at how peaceful London
is. It could imply that he possesses some religious views, unlike William Blake,
who detested religion and blamed the church for society’s flaws. Additionally, it
shows us that Wordsworth is thanking God for this gift of the morning and also
shows rapture towards him. Wordsworth highlights the peaceful and calm
atmosphere, personifying the houses by claiming them to be “Asleep”. By
referring to London as the “Mighty heart”, Wordsworth is describing London’s
power and strength as it is centre of industry and keeps the rest of the country
alive. It could also be referring to its power over his emotions, similar to the
romantic belief that nature is powerful. Wordsworth might also describing
London as a natural, living thing, as a heart is a living and functioning organ.