London 1802 Poem
London, 1802
By William Wordsworth
Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour:
England hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,
Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.
Thy soul was like a Sta...
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London 1802 Characters
William Wordsworth: The poet himself.
John Milton: The renowned English poet and author of “Paradise Lost” who lived in the 17th century.
London: The city itself is indirectly portrayed as a character.
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London 1802 Literary Devices
Figures of Speech
Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using like or as. Example: “She is a fen of stagnant waters:” England is compared to a dirty, still swamp, showing moral and spiritual decay. Simile: A comparison using like or as. Example: “Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart:” Milton’s soul is compared to a bright, distant star, showing purity and greatness....
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London 1802 Quotes
Quotations
“England hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,”
Explanation: This line from William Wordsworth’s poem “London, 1802” calls upon John Milton to return and help England. He describes the country as stagnant and needing inspiration from religion, war, and literature.
“We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtu...
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"London,1802" Summary
England’s Disorderly Situation (Octave): Wordsworth was deeply disturbed by the disorderly situation in England at the time. The whole country became like a muddy land full of dirty water. The English Church, the military, intellectuals, and the general public had all forgotten their ideals. Every institution and class in society had become corrupt. England, which was once the center of art and li...
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London,1802 Themes
Tribute to Milton: The poem pays homage to the great English poet John Milton, who is described as a moral and intellectual beacon for the nation. Wordsworth expresses a longing for a return to the values and virtues represented by Milton's works.
Social and Political Critique/ Criticism: Wordsworth criticizes the state of England in his time, describing it as fallen and corrupt. He contrasts this...
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Notes (11)
- Analyse "London, 1802" as a sonnet.
- Background of the Poem "London,1802"
- Write a Critical Appreciation of the Poem “London 1802”.
- How does Wordsworth describe England in “London 1802”?
- Identify figures of speech used in "London, 1802."
- Write the summary of the poem "London, 1802".
- What virtues does Wordsworth plead for Milton to bring back to England?
- Why does Wordsworth address John Milton specifically in the poem "London, 1802"?
- Why Does Wordsworth Request Milton to Return to England?
- Discuss the significance of Wordsworth's description of Milton’s soul as like a star that "dwelt apart."
- Write about the tone and Authors position in the poem.