Christina: Composed Upon Westminster Bridge

The poem is based on the poet’s experience standing on Westminster Bridge early in the morning, looking out at the City of London. The poet is enthralled by the ‘majesty’ and beauty of the city, and he exclaims that there is nothing more beautiful on Earth. The poet considers anyone who could walk by unmoved by such beauty as “dull”.

The personifications found in the poem give life and character to the city. For instance, when the poet mentions the city wearing “the beauty of the morning” it is personified as a beautiful maiden clad in an extravagant garment. The fact that the city is “silent, bare” and that the air is “smokeless” suggests how early in the morning it is. The sky is probably clearer and brighter than usual and the city is imagined as being more peaceful than usual.

The poet describes the city, its towers and domes as part of the natural landscape, like rock features and hills. The buildings “open to the sky” suggesting they are tall and impressive. “Never did the sun more beautifully steep in his first splendor, valley, rock or hill.” The poet feels that man= made structures and cities can rival the beauty of the natural world.

Perhaps struck by the stillness and silence of everything, the poet exclaims “Dear God!” There is a strong sense of potential for the city, that it is a mighty beast asleep that will soon awake to a new and productive day.