Poem Analysis - London

A Plea for Moral and Spiritual Revival

William Wordsworth's "London" is a passionate lament for what the speaker perceives as the moral and spiritual decay of England. The poem is imbued with a sense of urgency and longing for a return to a more virtuous past. Its tone is initially accusatory and critical, shifting into one of admiration and hope when the speaker invokes the figure of John Milton. The overall effect is a powerful call to action, urging England to rediscover its lost greatness.

Longing for Milton's Guiding Light

One of the most prominent themes is the decline of English virtue and moral strength. Wordsworth illustrates this through vivid imagery of stagnation: "she is a fen / Of stagnant waters." This image immediately evokes a sense of decay, lifelessness, and impurity, contrasting sharply with the vibrant and active society the speaker desires. The list of forfeited treasures – "altar, sword, and pen, / Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower" – emphasizes the breadth of this loss, suggesting that even the most sacred and fundamental aspects of English life have been corrupted. The speaker attributes this decline to selfishness, accusing the people of being consumed by their own desires and neglecting the common good. Wordsworth uses this depiction to portray society as being in desperate need of redemption and spiritual guidance.

The Ideal Embodied: Milton as a Symbol of Virtue

Another crucial theme is the idealization of the past and the power of moral leadership. Milton serves as a symbol of this ideal. The speaker directly appeals to Milton, asserting that England has "need of thee." This immediately elevates Milton to the status of a savior figure, capable of rescuing the nation from its current state. The description of Milton's soul as a "Star" and his voice as the "sea" emphasizes his greatness, wisdom, and enduring influence. He is portrayed as a figure who possessed both intellectual brilliance ("Star") and profound emotional depth ("sea"). By highlighting Milton's "cheerful godliness" and his commitment to "the lowliest duties," Wordsworth suggests that true greatness lies not in arrogance or self-importance but in humility and devotion to the well-being of others.

Freedom and Power: Reclaiming England's Dower

The poem explores the complex relationship between individual virtue and national strength. The speaker believes that the loss of "inward happiness" has weakened England. He appeals to Milton to restore not only "manners, virtue, freedom" but also "power," suggesting that true national strength is rooted in the moral character of its people. The phrase "ancient English dower" further emphasizes the idea that this happiness, and consequently this power, is an inherent right that has been forfeited. The call for freedom and power suggests that the speaker believes England has become constrained or weakened, losing its ability to act decisively and morally on the world stage. The request for Milton to "raise us up" implies that individuals and society must rise above their present fallen state and embrace the virtues that defined the past.

Concluding Thoughts: A Timeless Call for Renewal

In conclusion, Wordsworth's "London" is a powerful lament for a lost sense of national virtue and a fervent plea for moral and spiritual renewal. Through the vivid imagery of stagnation and the idealized figure of John Milton, the poem explores the themes of moral decay, the power of leadership, and the inextricable link between individual virtue and national strength. The poem serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of moral integrity and the enduring need for individuals to strive for the common good. It's a call, not just to emulate the past, but to recapture the spirit of virtue and selfless service that can lead to true national greatness.