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What is the significance of the title of William Wordsworth's poem "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802"?

In his poem “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802,” William Wordsworth describes the image of London he and his sister saw as they traveled across the bridge early in the morning. She wrote about the sights in her journal, and it affected him deeply, which led him to write the poem. Therefore, he named the poem based on his experience, which justifies the title.


Although Wordsworth is known for his works about nature, this sonnet is written about the beauty London portrays on a late summer morning.



A sight so touching in its majesty:


This City now doth, like a garment, wear


The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,



He goes on to describe the sights of the city including the ships, towers, and quiet buildings in the clear air. This is not the norm for the city during the day or during other times of the year. The city is bustling and noisy with smoke from chimneys billowing in the air. Therefore, it is important that Wordsworth date the poem, and describe his vantage point in its title. The poem describes the city in a different light than most observers were accustomed to.



All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.


Never did sun more beautifully steep


In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;


Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!


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