London Flashcards
who was London written by?
William Blake
what social aspects did William Blake criticise?
poverty and social change
meaning and context of London?
-written in the Romantic era, which was an age of vast political change and social revolution
-focuses on the suffering of soldiers based in the city of London
why does Blake use repetition on words “charter’d” and “marks”?
to create a sense of drudgery
-suggests a certain weariness that he encounters everywhere he goes
why does Blake use enjambment in the final stanza?
to emphasise the word “blasts”
-creates a sense of fury and anger to imply how strongly the people of London fell about their situation
what quotation does Blake use contrast on in the final stanza?
“marriage hearse”
analyse the quotation “marriage hearse”
-uses contrast
-by tying these two concepts together, he implies that the relationships and bonds in society are destined for death, symbolised by the hearse
-ends the poem with a very bleak tone
describe and structure of London and analyse it.
written in four stanzas with ABAB rhyme scheme- creates a sense of pace and momentum as the poetic voice moves through the city
-creates a tone of predictability- implying there is no way to change the problem he sees
-regular structure and short lines- could reflect the sense of being trapped in the city
finish the quotation, “i wondered thro…
each chartered street
analyse the quotation “i wondered thro each chartered street?
“wondered”- implies the poetic voice lacks direction
-implies the voice is metaphorically or spiritually lost or lack guidance
finish the quotation, “ marks of…..
weakness
analyse the quotation, “marks of weakness”
“marks”- implies that the poverty and misery of London life is visible on the faces of the people. there is no escape from it
finish the quotation ,”blackening…
church
analyse the quotation, “black’ning church’.
-church is a symbol of holiness and salvation- here it is blackened
-could either imply pollution of London as its during a time of revolution or a more symbolic reading.
-suggests that faith is corrupt too and there is no way to save the souls of Londoner’s
finish the quote, “mind-forged….
manacles
analyse the quotation, “mind-forged manacles”
-the image of handcuffs implies that the people of London are enslaved or trapped.
-But “mind-forged” implies that this condition is a result of their own thinking, rather than their physical reality
finish the quotation, “runs in blood…
down palace walls
analyse the quotation, “runs in blood down palace walls.”
indicates the narrators frustration with the state. The image of blood running down the walls creates a gruesome sense of volume, suggesting that too many soldiers died needlessly
-also implies that the monarchy are guilty and have blood on their hands
