England in 1819 Flashcards
“An old, mad, blind, despised and dying King”
A very powerful, very hyperbolic opening that would be treasonous, emphasising his frailty, but it does not even register with the ruling
classes. They can survive all scorn because they are powerful and undefeatable. Highlighting the corruption of absolute power. A polemic (controversial opinion ) opening is used in order to criticise the disconnection between the monarchy and the people of England.
“Leechlike to their fainting country cling”
England’s rulers are parasites; they remove all of the good and keep it for themselves, until there is nothing left, diminishing the vitality of the nation. They are not human, not even really animal, they are something altogether parasitical which does no good for the country. They exist solely to harm the nation, draining the country rather than enriching it.
“A people starved and stabbed”
The sibilance here emphasises the brutality of the reign of these heartless rulers. It does also emphasis the way that the ‘people’ are one unit, a collective, and therefore able to resist, but they are too hungry and too afraid. The rulers are controlling, they ensure the oppressed (subject to harsh treatment) remain weak and submissive It also suggests that the lack of wealth distribution is killing them almost as much as a battle would.
