With the Romantic movement came a heightened awareness of the Human Spirit, which many poets explored in depth to better understand themselves and the world around them. In the poems "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" and "London", William Wordsworth and William Blake use the city of London as the vehicle through which to do just that. By using very different tone and vivid imagery, the two poets arrive at profoundly different truths about the Human Spirit while examining the same topic. Wordsworth manages to find a comfortable peace and serenity as he glorifies London, while Blake is deeply disturbed by the state of the city and its unfortunate inhabitants.

Upon first reading the two poems, the most patently obvious difference is found between the tones utilized by the poets. In "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" William Wordsworth creates an awe inspired, reverent tone used to glorify the innate...