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 is significant as it directly takes the readers to the place where the poet is inspired by the beauty of London city early in the morning. 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. To make the impression of the city at that moment clearer to the readers, the poet compares it 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 poet is awe-struck as he is not familiar with the scene. So he is confident to make a comment about a dull person who only can think of missing this chance of enjoyment and leave it for some other time. For Wordsworth, he is enjoying to his heart’s content the breathtaking beauty which is even more attractive than valley, rock or hill, the natural landscape which he has enjoyed so far. 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 poem is a petrarchan sonnet, having fourteen lines which are divided in two sections. Octave, which is first eight lines and sestet, the last six lines. The octave presents in detail the city of London at dawn, its specialty seen by the poet at that time of the day and the co-existence of nature with man-made constructions so beautifully lit up by the bright and glittering sunlight. In sestet, the overflowing emotion of disbelief for the calmness of the sleeping city is expressed with so much of praise that it goes to the extent of exaggeration.

The 9th Line, ‘Never did sun more beautifully steep…’ is called ‘Volta’ where the poet gives reason for his – awe and wonder. The poet uses the traditional rhyme-scheme of a petrarchan sonnet — abbaabba, cdcdcd.

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 simplicity and frankness of the language that is devoid of any lofty idea, make the poem pleasant.

The poem is a momentary expression of the poet’s description of the finer details of what he sees, feels, thinks at particular time of the day. It appears more beautiful because of the clarity in nature. Perhaps, on a gloomy day with overcast sky, this beauty would not have worked wonders for the poet. Fair weather brings out the inspirational awakening to the poet and he could easily pass it on the readers.