London Flashcards
“wander[s] down each chartered street”.
The term “wander” gives some insight into the speaker. He appears to be not quite sure of himself, and a bit misguided. The use of the term “chartered” also suggests that the streets he walks are controlled and rigid.
“Mind forgd manacles”
Manacles are handcuffs-metaphorical- people’s minds are not free. -mind-forg’d manacles- restrictions that we place on ourselves- strong/binding that like the manacles a slave might be forced to wear.
slaves to ourselves, restricted by our own fears and doubts, according to Blake.
“Every black’ning church appalls”
churches growing filthy- religion has a negative influence. Irony- Blake uses blackening to describe the church not the chimney sweepers.
-appall-(to turn someone pale with shock). “appall” -pun -“a pall”.
pall is the coveron a coffin- the chimney sweeps die and the church is responsible.
“And blights with plagues the marriage hearse”.
This line is generally understood to refer to the spread of venereal disease, passed from a prostitute by a man to his wife. Marriage therefore becomes a death sentence.
Form, structure and language.
-Repetition-used- bleakness of Blake’s message
-Emotive language to make the reader feel as angry/ sorrowful as he feels.
-Ballad form. Memorable and helped people to share stories/express ideas.
-Juxtaposition-Every hope of happiness is tainted with despair. repetitive metre-idea that people’s lives are monotonous (lack interest).
