London Flashcards
London key quotes
‘The mind forged manacles I hear‘
‘And the hapless soldiers sigh runs in blood down Palace walls’‘
‘How the Chimney-sweepers cry Every black’ning Church appalls’
‘Blasts the new-born Infants tear And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse’
Who wrote London and when
William Blake in 1794
Summary of poem London
Focuses on the abuse of power and how that results in vast inequality. Blake is urging people to break free of the ‘mind forged manacles ‘
Structure and form of London
-This creates a rhythm that is steady, almost march-like, which can be interpreted as symbolic of the mechanical, oppressive routine of life in the city
-cyclical structure highlights the inescapability of suffering in London. Blake does not offer any resolution or escape from the pain his characters endure. Instead, the suffering is perpetual, passed down from one generation to the next
-This fixed and repetitive structure reflects how the upper class imposes a structured, unyielding system on the lower classes, the lives of the poor in London are constrained by the rigid systems of power that keep them in their place
Context of London
-Blake’s London paints a grim picture of a city scarred by the negative consequences of . The poor, who were relegated to squalid living conditions in crowded neighborhoods, were the most vulnerable to the dangers of
-The poem reflects his belief that the government and the Church were complicit in perpetuating the suffering of the poor and that the power they wielded was both unnatural and morally corrupt
-Blake’s relationship with the Church of England was complex. He was a deeply spiritual man, but he was also highly critical of the established church, which he saw as an institution that compromised its spiritual duties in favor of wealth and power.
Analyse quote : “The mind-forg’d manacles I hear”
-The phrase “mind-forged manacles” is a metaphor that conveys the idea that oppression is not just imposed externally by institutions such as the monarchy, church, and state, but is also internalized by individuals. The word “manacles” refers to chains or shackles, traditionally used to restrain prisoners, suggesting that people in London are psychologically enslaved. Blake suggests that societal structures create a mental state in which individuals accept their suffering as inevitable, limiting their ability to resist or imagine alternatives.
-It forces one to reflect on the nature of oppression—not just as an external force but as something internalized by individuals. This realization can evoke feelings of frustration and helplessness, as Blake presents a society that unknowingly participates in its own subjugation. However, it may also inspire critical thought and self-awareness, pushing the reader to question their own role within societal structures.
Analyse quote ‘How the Chimney-sweepers cry Every black’ning Church appalls’
-The phrase “Chimney-sweeper’s cry” immediately evokes the plight of child chimney sweeps in 18th-century London. These children, often orphaned or from impoverished backgrounds, were forced into dangerous and grueling labor, cleaning soot-clogged chimneys under life-threatening conditions. Their cries symbolize both physical suffering and the broader injustice of a society that exploits its weakest members.
-it suggests the moral corruption of the Church, which, instead of acting to protect the innocent, remains indifferent to their suffering.
-Blake’s use of contrast is crucial in this line. The Church, an institution meant to represent purity, compassion, and moral guidance, is juxtaposed against the filthy, suffering chimney sweeps. Instead of offering refuge or justice, the Church is “black’ning,” indicating its complicity in societal evils. Readers may be prompted to question not only historical injustices but also the modern role of institutions in addressing societal suffering.
Analyse quote : “And the hapless soldiers sigh runs in blood down Palace walls’‘
-The soldier, a figure traditionally associated with strength and patriotism, is instead portrayed as “hapless”—a victim rather than a hero. This subverts the glorified image of military service, exposing the reality of a soldier’s suffering. His “sigh” conveys exhaustion, disillusionment, and grief, rather than pride or victory. It suggests a quiet, almost unnoticed suffering, easily ignored by those in power.
-The “blood” is not simply metaphorical; it evokes the violent consequences of war and oppression. The imagery suggests that the deaths of soldiers—whether in foreign wars or due to state violence—are directly linked to the monarchy’s actions. The juxtaposition of the “Palace walls” with the soldier’s “blood” highlights the stark contrast between the ruling class, who remain safe behind their walls, and the soldiers who suffer and die outside them. This conveys a deep sense of injustice and bitterness, emphasizing that the cost of war is paid in human lives, while those in power remain untouched. It demands the reader to recognise the hidden suffering behind nationalistic and patriotic narratives
-could be read as a reference to the French Revolution. where the monarchy was violently overthrown. Blake, who sympathized with radical and revolutionary ideals, may be warning that continued oppression will lead to rebellion and bloodshed.
Analyse quote “Blasts the new-born Infants tear And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse”
-Instead of offering comfort to the crying infant, society inflicts harm upon it, emphasizing how suffering is ingrained from the moment of birth. The violent imagery of the “Infant’s tear” being “blasted” forces the reader to confront the vulnerability of children in a cruel world, evoking a sense of helplessness and anger.
-The word “blights” suggests disease, corruption, and decay, linking to the “plagues” that spread suffering throughout London.
-These “plagues” could reference sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis, which was rampant in Blake’s time due to prostitution and social neglect. The association of marriage with disease critiques the hypocrisy of a society that outwardly upholds the sanctity of marriage while fostering conditions that lead to moral and physical ruin.
-‘ marriage hearse’ is an oxymoron blending the ideas of love and death. This contradiction reflects Blake’s belief that institutions such as marriage—intended to be pure and joyful—have been corrupted by societal decay.
-This final line leaves the reader with a bleak and haunting vision of a society where innocence is immediately destroyed and institutions are poisoned by corruption.
