In the poem “London, 1802,” William Wordsworth explores the theme of societal decay and calls for a return to the virtues and values embodied by John Milton. Through his powerful use of imagery and language, Wordsworth highlights the corruption and moral decline present in his contemporary London society.
The Corrupt State of London
Wordsworth begins the poem by describing London as a city that has lost its way. He uses bold text to emphasize the word “wandered” to convey a sense of aimlessness and disorientation. The underlined text in “hapless” further emphasizes the city’s unfortunate state.
The poet then employs vivid imagery to depict the degradation present in London. He describes the streets as being filled with “chartered” voices, indicating that even public discourse is controlled and manipulated. The phrase “mind-forged manacles” is presented in bold to highlight the metaphorical chains that bind individuals mentally, restricting their freedom of thought.
A Call for Restoration
In response to this bleak portrayal of London, Wordsworth turns to John Milton as an exemplar of virtue and wisdom. He addresses Milton directly, using underlined text for emphasis: “Milton!
thou shouldst be living at this hour.” This highlights Wordsworth’s belief that Milton’s moral guidance is desperately needed in their time.
Wordsworth goes on to describe Milton as a man with a soul that was like an “angel,” using bold text to underscore this elevated status. Through this comparison, he suggests that Milton possessed qualities such as purity, righteousness, and intellectual brilliance—qualities lacking in London society.
A Plea for Change
With his reference to Milton’s ability to bring back England’s former glory, Wordsworth expresses his desire for positive change. He uses a subheader to clearly indicate this shift in his argument. Wordsworth calls on Milton to “raise us up, return to us again,” using bold text for emphasis.
Through the use of lists, Wordsworth presents a series of contrasting images. He juxtaposes the current state of London with what he believes it could be.
The repetition of “where are they now?” in bold prompts the reader to reflect on the lost virtues and values that have been replaced by corruption and decay.
The Power of Poetry
In the final section of the poem, Wordsworth underscores the power of poetry to effect change. He addresses Milton directly once again, emphasizing his belief that poetry can serve as a force for revitalization. The underlined text in “thou shouldst be living at this hour” serves as a reminder that it is through poetry that Milton’s spirit can live on and inspire others.
Wordsworth concludes by proclaiming that Milton’s influence can help purify and reshape society. Through his evocative language and strategic use of HTML styling elements, Wordsworth effectively conveys his message about the need for moral regeneration in London society.