Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points:

i. About the poem/poet/title

ii. Theme
iii. Poetic devices, language, style
iv. Special features/novelties/focusing elements
v. Values, message
vi. Your opinion about the poem
Ans:
Appreciation of the poem 'Upon Westminster Bridge'
William Wordsworth, one of the most famous romantic poet, a great lover of
nature, wrote the poem 'Upon Westminster Bridge' while crossing over the
famous bridge on the Thames river, with his sister, to go out of town.
The title of the poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge' is a Petrarchan sonnet by
William Wordsworth and thus is a fourteen line poem, divided into an octave
(observation) and a sestet (conclusion). It immediately connects the readers with
the content of the poem.
The theme of the poem is basically to admire the peace and calmness all around
the city of London at dawn before the busy city wakes up to its daily routine
activities. The skyline of the city is clearly visible and is glittering in bright
sunlight as the morning is absolutely pollution free. The poet compares city to a
lady who has currently changed her attire. There is a remarkable balance
between nature and man-made structures like ships, domes, theatres, temples
and co-existence has made the London landscape to be at its best. The sleeping
city appears majestic as he is not used to seeing London this way. Even the river
is flowing on its own will as if there is no one to disturb it's moment
The poet makes use of simple poetic devices (like simile, hyperbole and
personification) and easy language, in line with his intention to write the poem
for the common people. For example-
The use of simile in the line "This City now doth, like a garment, wear The
beauty of the morning; creates a powerful image of a city wearing the morning
sunshine like a piece of clothing thus describing the poet's sense of wonder.
Most notably, the poet uses personification to give life to the houses that 'seem
asleep' or to compare the city of London to a 'mighty heart' that is lying still.
Thus, he paints a picture of a sleeping city. The river, too, is referred to as a
living being flowing at 'its own street will. Wordsworth uses end rhymes to give
a song-like rhythm to the poem. The rhyme scheme of the poem is abbaabba
cdcdcd.
The main message city in its natural setting before any activities have begun.
This highlights the negative impact of industrialization which the poet believes
will ruin the city. In addition, by describing the beauty of a city. the poet shows
that even a city is capable of making a person feel calm like nature; in the early
hours of a morning when everything is silent and unmoving.
Overall, The poem is a descriptive one where the poet uses his sense of sight
and flair for expression to present a panoramic view of London. the poem is a
good read and allows the reader to visualize the picture painted by Wordsworth
and draws similarities between the city and nature.