London

Question 1

How was Blake described?

Answer 1

William Blake was a painter, poet and printmaker and is considered an influential figure in the visual arts of the Romantic age.

Question 2

What did Blake rebel against?

Answer 2

Rebelling against oppressive institutions like the church or the monarchy, or any and all cultural traditions – sexist, racist, or classist – which stifled imagination or passion.

Question 3

When was the French revolution and what happened?

Answer 3

In 1789, the French people revolted against the monarchy and aristocracy, using violence and murder to overthrow those in power.

Question 4

How does the French revolution link to the poem?

Answer 4

Blake alludes to the revolution in London, arguably suggesting that the experience of living there could encourage a revolution on the streets of the capital.

Question 5

I wander through…

Answer 5

I wander through each chartered street,

Near where the chartered Thames does flow,

Question 6

In every cry…

Answer 6

In every cry of every man,

In every infants cry of fear,

Question 7

How the …

Answer 7

How the chimney-sweepers cry

Every black’ning church appalls,

Question 8

How the youthful…

Answer 8

How the youthful harlot’s curse

Blasts the new-born infant’s tear

Question 9

And blights …

Answer 9

And blights with plagues the marriage hearse.

Question 10

Key Points to make about this poem!

Answer 10

• Oppression.
• Fallen human nature.
• Constraints.