“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” (Frederick Douglas) A reaction to change and hardships will often cause one to dream of a better time and call for those who have passed to help and to provide insight. Such outcries as a response to shifts in society exist in the sonnets “London, 1802” written by William Wordsworth and “Douglass” written by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Even though “Douglass” was written one hundred years later, both sonnets recognize the challenging times which the authors live in. The Wordsworth sonnet, describes all the horrible things London has gotten itself into and how Milton could lead them back towards a better life. Dunbar’s sonnet has the same apostrophe to Frederick Douglass, who provided hope for slaves…show more content… Wordsworth uses natural imagery as both positive and negative forces, encompassing both Milton and England in the natural world. “England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,” (Wordsworth 2-3). Nature is first mentioned in these lines, and in Wordsworth's salient metaphor for England. This abhorrent image of swamp-like motionless waters illustrates that there is something foul in the country of England. “Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea” (Wordsworth 10). This is a more positive depiction of water. Wordsworth uses a simile to refer to Milton's poetic power of speech, likening it to the ocean. Paul Laurence Dunbar also uses water imagery in his sonnet “Douglass”. “Not ended then, the passionate ebb and flow, The awful tide that battled to and fro;” (Dunbar 6-7). Dunbar compares the battle for civil rights to the tide, moving back and forth not really getting anywhere. Dunbar wishes for Douglass to come back and promote progress like he did when he was alive. “Now, when the waves of swift dissension swarm, And Honor, the strong pilot lieth stark,” (Dunbar 9-10). This line has an ironic and regretful tone. “Honor” should be the “strong pilot,” but, it is not leading as it should be. Instead, it is
