William Wordsworth in “London 1802” and Paul Laurence Dunbar in “Douglass” employ formal diction and metaphors to illuminate the social issues of each era; both poems plead for a great historical figure to return to their time period and rectify the evils of society. However, they also differ in purpose and targeted the audience as “London 1802” addresses the social issues in England and the need for values in the Englishmen while “Douglass” represents the African American struggle for rights during the civil rights era.
“London 1802” and “Douglass” both call for the return of two strong historical figures who influenced their respective time periods. By using formal diction and metaphors, each poem exemplifies their message about social issues and
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In “London 1802”, Wordsworth champions the ideas of Milton’s virtue and manners; he uses formal diction to convey the need for values, “England hath need of thee” “In cheerful godliness; and yet they heart” (Line 2, 13). Wordsworth usage of similes and metaphors comment on the necessity of pure values and morals as he urges the people to help return England to the great country it once was. The people have now turned into selfish beings and Wordsworth advocates the need of these virtues, “Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; Oh! Raise us up, return to us again” (Line 6-7). He also compares England to a swamp as it is now polluted and no longer has its purity “she is a fen. Of stagnant water:” (Line 2-3). Using this metaphor, Wordsworth demonstrates the change England has gone through and how its reputation is no longer what it once was. Dunbar in “Douglass” juxtaposes these same literary devices to demonstrate his message. His usage of formal diction informs Fredrick Douglass of the struggles the African Americans faced “Such days as thou, not even thou didst know” (Line 2). “When thee, the eyes of