London Flashcards
Cyclical structure in ‘London’?
The first/second stanzas focus on impact on people, the third explores the source of suffering, and the fourth goes back to the impact again. The effect of this is for Blake to suggest suffering is never ending, and implies to the reader that they will keep suffering until they break the cycle and rebel against society, like the French did during the revolution.
Iambic tetrameter in ‘London’?
Blake is fairly consistent in his use of iambic tetrameter. This shows order and control, as the consistency of a rhythm provides a sense of relentless oppression.
Consistent rhyme scheme and stanza length in ‘London’
Blake employs an ABAB rhyme scheme, along with consistent stanza lengths. He uses quatrains (4 lines) and this fixed structure enhances the sense of complete control and oppression which could mimic the way he feels lower classes are trapped in London. This consistent structure also highlights how suffering is relentless and never ending, to the point of being overwhelming.
The structure may also reflect how frustrated Blake is that the general public won’t stand up to the institutions of power which are controlling them. It could be argued that he represents the possible opportunities members of victorian society have to break free through the small inconsistencies in the tight structure of the poem. These breaks and lines are emphasises because thet stand out from te rhythm, breaking the flow. For example, the line “marks of weakness, marks of woe” is only seven syllables, which breaks the iambic pentrameter employed for the rest of the lines.
How is the theme of oppression presented in London
Stemming from privatisation, repitition of word chartered, referes to how in 1700s, legislation gave common land to the wealthy. Everything controlled by the weathly. (Class oppression)
Juxtaposition between ‘chartered’ and ‘flow’. Flow implies freedom while chartered is describing it as owned by someone, oppression of nature by humans. Nature should be free for all to acces and enjoy but greed of humanity is trying to control it
How is the theme of suffering being presented in London
Cause of suffering is the institutions of power(monarchy, governemnt, church). Use military to keep control.
Organised religion a source of suffering. Not providing for disadvantaged members of society and betraying the christian faith.
Babies and children suffer. Significant because they are born innocent. Lives are destined for misery
Children are also victimised. Child labour (chimney-sweepers)
What adjective has been used to show they are effectively owned and controlled by the wealthy
‘Each chartered street’
Adjective - chartered
What quote reflects how if people rise up against institutions of power, they can free themselves from social restraint
‘Marks of weakness, marks of woe’
‘Marks’ permanent impact of the place’s power. Cannot remove impact of suffering, branded like cattle from their experiences
Breaks from iambic tetrameter used for the remainder of the poem which could reflects how if people rise up against institutions of power, they can free themselves from social restraint
What phrase incites sympathy in the reader and also shows pessimistically how every life is destined for misery
‘In every infant’s cry of fear’
Children are supposedly born innocent and shouldn’t have to suffer
Which quote has connotations of the soot and smoke but also could suggest a criticism of organised religion and how it has failed
'’Blackn’ning church’
Darkning morals of the church, failing to provide for disadvantaged members of society.
Church focused more on its own wealth
Juxtaposition of innocence of youth with immorality
‘Youthful harlot’s curse’
Young people forced into prostitution ss it’s their only hope
‘Marriage hearse’
