Analyze the poem “London, 1802” as a sonnet.

Analyze the poem “London, 1802” as a sonnet.

“London, 1802” (1807) by William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is a beautiful sonnet that calls out to the past to improve the present. In this poem, Wordsworth uses a special poem form, a sonnet, to share his message strongly and clearly. Here is a simple analysis of this sonnet, focusing on important aspects.

Structure and Form: The poem has a strict form. It is a Petrarchan sonnet. This type of sonnet has 14 lines. The first eight lines are called an octave, and the last six lines are called a sestet. The octave sets up a problem or situation. The sestet then responds to it or resolves it. In “London, 1802,” Wordsworth uses the octave to cry out for John Milton’s return because England is in a bad state. The sestet praises Milton’s virtues, which Wordsworth believes can save England.

Rhyme Scheme: Wordsworth’s sonnet follows a specific rhyme scheme, which is ABBAABBA for the octave and CDDECE for the sestet. This pattern helps make the poem sound pleasing and musical. The rhyme ties the lines together and helps emphasize the poem’s main ideas.

volta: There is a clear shift in the poem called a volta, which is typical in sonnets. It happens between the octave and the sestet. In the first eight lines, Wordsworth describes the problems in England. Then, starting in line 9, he shifts to talk directly about Milton. He admires Milton’s qualities, like purity and freedom, which he thinks are missing in England now.

Through this sonnet, Wordsworth not only shows his love for Milton but also his hope that remembering great men like Milton can inspire others to bring change. The form of the sonnet—a structured, tight poem—helps Wordsworth make his argument strong and clear.