How does Wordsworth convey a London of light, life and liberty in the poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge?
… as a reflection of the natural beauty of the summer’s day, iridescent in the brilliance of the morning light. However, Dorothy’s journal (from which we glean an insight into Wordsworth’s earlier poetry) notes that in September 1802 their return home through London from France took place late in the evening, on a misty day when they “could see nothing.” Wordsworth may have used Dorothy’s earlier entry in July to inspire this composition which he subsequently dated September 1802. It is generally agreed that he must have confused his dates; but it may also be suggested that during his visit to the capital in July, or on his return journey from seeing both his child and former lover, his spirits were high, as this sonnet is surely a dedication to the glory of nature, reflected in the beauty of a summers morning. His first sighting of London must have been enriched …
