Summary:
William Wordsworth’s “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802” is a Petrarchan sonnet that captures the poet’s admiration for London in the early morning. Unlike his usual focus on nature, Wordsworth finds unexpected beauty in the city, which appears calm, peaceful, and almost untouched by human activity. The poet describes the Thames River flowing freely and praises the freshness of the morning air. Using personification, he states that “the very houses seem asleep”, emphasizing the city’s rare moment of stillness before the hustle of the day begins. The poem conveys a tone of wonder and admiration, as Wordsworth marvels at the harmony between nature and the city in the tranquil morning light.
MCQs:
- What is the main theme of the poem?
A) The destruction of nature
B) The beauty and tranquility of the city in the morning
C) The power of industrialization
D) The chaos of urban life
Answer: B) The beauty and tranquility of the city in the morning - Which city is described in the poem?
A) Paris
B) New York
C) London
D) Rome
Answer: C) London - At what time of day does the poet observe the city?
A) Afternoon
B) Night
C) Early morning
D) Sunset
Answer: C) Early morning
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 |
| Poet | William Wordsworth |
| Year Written | 1802 |
| Year Published | 1807 |
| Poem Type | Petrarchan Sonnet |
| Themes | Beauty of nature, harmony between city and nature |
| Rhyme Scheme | ABBAABBACDCDCD |
| Tone | Peaceful, admiring |
| Key Imagery | The Thames River, the sky, sunlight over the city |
| Unusual Aspect | Wordsworth, a nature poet, admiring a cityscape |
4. What is the tone of the poem?
A) Angry and critical
B) Joyful and admiring
C) Fearful and anxious
D) Sad and regretful
Answer: B) Joyful and admiring
5. Which natural elements does Wordsworth mention in the poem?
A) Trees and mountains
B) The river and the sky
C) The ocean and the stars
D) The wind and the birds
Answer: B) The river and the sky
6. What poetic form is used in the poem?
A) Free verse
B) Sonnet
C) Ballad
D) Haiku
Answer: B) Sonnet
7. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
A) ABABCDCD EFEFGG
B) ABBAABBACDCDCD
C) AABBCCDDEEFFGG
D) ABCABCDEFDEFDE
Answer: B) ABBAABBACDCDCD
8. How does the poet describe London in the morning?
A) As noisy and polluted
B) As dull and lifeless
C) As silent, calm, and beautiful
D) As overcrowded and stressful
Answer: C) As silent, calm, and beautiful
9. Which river is mentioned in the poem?
A) The Nile
B) The Seine
C) The Thames
D) The Ganges
Answer: C) The Thames
10. What does Wordsworth mean when he says, “The city now doth like a garment wear / The beauty of the morning”?
A) The city is covered in fog
B) The city’s beauty is temporary
C) The morning enhances the city’s beauty, like clothing enhances a person’s appearance
D) The city is hiding its true nature
Answer: C) The morning enhances the city’s beauty, like clothing enhances a person’s appearance
