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Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 Awe and Amazement Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (line)

Quote #1

Earth has not anything to show more fair: (line 1)

The use of exaggeration (hyperbole) give the impression of childlike wonder, of the world made fresh and new again. This is not a philosophical poem. It's a poem about a person's emotions "in the moment."

Quote #2

A sight so touching in its majesty: (line 3)

The speaker can only describe the beauty of the city using paradoxes like this one. Imagine telling a king that he's adorable, pinching his cheeks, and then bowing before him, and you'll get an idea of how the phrase "touching in its majesty" works.

Quote #3

All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. (line 8)

The light on the buildings "glitters" like a precious metal. The speaker might be describing the play of the sun on some of the windows.