Introduction

Question 1

First sentence

Answer 1

London by William Blake offers an austere commentary on 18th century Britain

Question 2

What does the poem focus on?

Answer 2

Hardships faced by London’s and its inhabitants

- lower classes

Question 3

What was London previously to Blake?

Answer 3

Brilliant
- poetical sketches London was ‘golden’
‘Her silver Thames, throng’d with shining spires’

Question 4

What did the French Revolution leave?

Answer 4

London shrouded in darkness and misery due to the British governments repressive ways toward the civil democratic activities

Question 5

What does Blake focus on? (Themes)

Answer 5

Social injustice through themes of industrialisation, child labor and oppression through painting a comprehensive image of the many miseries, physical and spiritual, in London, England’s capital

Question 6

What was Blake an advocate for?

Answer 6

Man against absolute authority
- explores injustices which took place, his contempt toward the institutions which forced misery on the bottom of society

Question 7

What does London work as?

Answer 7

A criticism and condemnation of ideological institutions, those of the church, monarchy and the military

Question 8

Through presenting man’s lack of freedom in London

Answer 8

Blake’s poem was averse the the many positive portrayals of London; a city of contemporary technology and the centre of Western culture itself