Final answer:
The culture in Lyon's poem can be described by examining the romantic ideals, language, themes, and literary techniques. Wordsworth's use of adjectives, metaphors, similes, and references to far-away places, as well as the background of his personal narrative, contribute to the poem's romanticism and tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
To describe the culture reflected in Lyon's poem, one would consider the romantic ideals, the themes, the language used, and the literary techniques that are indicative of the cultural era and the poet's personal experiences. For example, romanticism often involves a focus on emotion, nature, and individualism, which one may infer from the adjectives used by Wordsworth to describe the city or landscapes within the poem. One may spot contrasts between the urban life and natural beauty, or between the idealistic past and the complex present. The themes of the poem might revolve around love, beauty, nostalgia, or the transcendence of life's struggles through an appreciation for the sublime in the everyday.
Wordsworth's personal narrative comes into play when considering that the poem was written during a trip to France related to his past relationship, adding a layer of longing or unfulfilled desires perhaps. The use of metaphors and similes would also contribute to the poetic imagery, deepening the connection between the speaker's emotional state and the environment. The reference to far-away and exotic places might suggest a sense of adventure or a yearning for experiences beyond the common day.
The poem's use of archaic language can add to the mystique, providing a sense of timelessness or connecting with legendary themes referenced in the poem. Lastly, elements like rhyme pattern, repetition, and alliteration are crucial to the poem's structure and form, which is that of a sonnet, a traditional form that Wordsworth would have used to align with or challenge poetic conventions of his time. The tone of the poem can be deduced from these stylistic elements, along with word choice and rhythm, and it is often a blend of reflection, serenity, and possibly melancholy.