SECTION A
Why do you think the poet begins the poem with such a strong statement about beauty?
The poet begins with a strong statement about beauty to immediately show how deeply impressed he is by the scene and to capture the reader’s attention.
Why do you think the poet lists so many parts of the city?
The poet lists many parts of the city to show its size, importance, and variety while emphasizing that every part appears peaceful and beautiful.
What might line 11- "Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!" suggest about the poet’s usual experiences of city life?
This line suggests that the poet usually experiences cities as noisy, crowded, and stressful rather than calm and peaceful.
What does line 2 suggest about people who fail to notice beauty around them?
Line 2 suggests that people who fail to notice beauty are emotionally or spiritually insensitive and unable to appreciate meaningful experiences
What does this line suggest about the relationship between the city and nature?
This line suggests that the city and nature are connected and exist in harmony rather than being completely separate.
How does the description of the river add to the peaceful atmosphere of the poem?
The gentle description of the river creates smooth, peaceful imagery that adds to the still and relaxing atmosphere of the poem.
How can something be both “touching” and “majestic” at the same time?
Something can be both “touching” and “majestic” because it can create strong emotions while also appearing grand, powerful, and impressive
Why is the phrase “smokeless air” important in describing London?
The phrase “smokeless air” is important because London was usually polluted and smoky, so the clean air makes the city appear fresh, pure, and beautiful.
Why does the poet describe the houses as “asleep” instead of simply saying the city is quiet?
The poet describes the houses as “asleep” to personify the city and emphasize the unusual quietness and stillness of the moment.
Why might Wordsworth compare the city to someone wearing clothing?
Wordsworth compares the city to someone wearing clothing to show that the morning beauty covers and transforms the city like a garment.
What does line 9 - "Never did the sun more beautifully steep" reveal about the poet’s feelings toward the scene?
This line reveals that the poet feels amazement, admiration, and deep appreciation for the beauty of the scene.
What does the phrase “mighty heart” suggest about the city of London?
The phrase “mighty heart” suggests that London is powerful, alive, and full of energy, even though it is temporarily resting
How does the silence of the city contribute to the mood of the poem?
The silence of the city creates a calm, peaceful, and almost magical mood, making London seem different from its usual busy state.
Why does Wordsworth compare the city to natural landscapes like valleys and hills?
Wordsworth compares the city to valleys and hills to suggest that London is just as beautiful as natural landscapes.
Which line best captures the poem’s overall mood? Explain.
“Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!” best captures the poem’s mood because it directly expresses the poet’s overwhelming sense of peace and stillness.