Two Views of England: A Comparison and Contrast of Wordsworth's Poems: "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey," "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802," and "London, 1802"

William Wordsworth's poetry unravels the poet himself. His poem "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey" was written in the late eighteenth century, while "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802," and "London, 1802" were written in the early 19th century, although some historians regard this as the long 18th century, in the Romanticism literary movement. The poems reveal a short time in Wordsworth's life from 1793 through 1802 in which he wrote about nature, as well as London, England. In "Tintern Abbey," he revisits the Abbey, as well as nature, whether in physical body, or in his memories. "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" conveys his present view of the city of London in which he pauses on Westminster Bridge with his sister Dorothy, actually on July 31, 1802. In "London, 1802," Wordsworth's view of England changes, and he appeals to his predecessor, Milton, to assist a country which he feels has lost its spirit: in "altar, sword, and pen" (3).


The research that I am focusing on is the comparisons and contrasts of his three poems. Also, Wordsworth observes two dissimilar views of England: an England which he reflects upon tranquility in nature, as well as the city itself, which is shown in "Tintern Abbey," and "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." This view glorifies nature, as well as England, and represents the myth of England as an island nation.  However, his view of England in his poem, "London, 1802" was modified in less than a month's time span to convey what England had become, unlike his previous two poems. Wordsworth's reflection upon the views of England in his poems, "Tintern Abbey," and "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802," suggest that it was a place of tranquility, even in a time of unsettled peace; however, "London, 1802" reflects upon a dissimilar view of England, which contrasts with his usual writing style.

These explorations will begin with the literal content of "Tintern Abbey," and then later, "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802."

Wordsworth, William. “Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8^th ed. Vol. D: The Romantic Period. Eds. Stephen Greenblatt, M. H. Abrams, Jack Stillinger, Deidre Shauna Lynch. New York: Norton, 2006. 317. Print.                                                                                                              

Wordsworth, William. “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8^th ed. Vol. D: The Romantic Period. Eds. Stephen Greenblatt, M. H. Abrams, Jack Stillinger, Deidre Shauna Lynch. New York: Norton, 2006. 258-62. Print.

Wordsworth, William. “London, 1802.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8^th ed. Vol. D: The Romantic Period. Eds. Stephen Greenblatt, M. H. Abrams, Jack Stillinger, Deidre Shauna Lynch. New York: Norton, 2006. 319. Print.