Minor Essay - London, 1802
“London, 1802” written by William Wordsworth in the year 1802, is a Petrarchan sonnet with a rhyme scheme of abba abba cdd ece. This sonnet is written in the, second person and speaks about the late poet John Milton, who lived from 1608 to 1674 (Shub 2012). Initially the purpose of this poem is to pay respects to Milton by asking him to save England with his high moral values, however, the purpose slightly shifts to bring light to what is wrong with the English society at the time, according to Wordsworth. This is done through the use of meaningful diction, syntax and prosodic devices used in the sonnet that will be discussed in this analysis.
William Wordsworth begins his sonnet and sets the tone with a dramatic outburst of, “Milton!” which can be portrayed as a cry out in desperation to John Milton a famous poet, “remembered as a proud Englishman, intense Protestant and patriot” (Shub 2012). This outcry of desperation is for Milton to return back to England as it is in need of him. Furthermore, through the use of imagery Wordsworth describes the current England as a “fen of stagnant waters”, essentially meaning a mess or a swampland, in which, the individuals are selfish and must be taught "manners, virtue, freedom, power" (8). The speaker here, describes everything Milton stood for and represented when he was alive. Also, throughout the sonnet, he is this symbol of good, and a way to return England to what is once was, a glorious nation. In addition, Wordsworth careful use of words, diction, brings meaning to simple words such as “altar”, “sword,” “pen,” (3), “fireside,” and “heroic wealth” (4) . Also, each of these words have been used for a specific meaning, the altar represents religion, the sw...
