London Flashcards
Plot summary
“London” by William Blake is a poem that describes the narrator’s experience walking through the city of London. The narrator observes the widespread suffering, poverty, and despair among the city’s inhabitants. He criticizes the corrupt institutions, such as the Church and the monarchy, for failing to alleviate the people’s misery.
Context:
“London” by William Blake was written in 1794 and is part of his “Songs of Experience” collection. The poem reflects Blake’s disillusionment with the social, political, and economic conditions of 18th-century London, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.
Industrial Revolution: Rapid industrialization led to overcrowding, pollution, and poor living conditions for many Londoners.
Social Inequality: Blake was critical of the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses.
Political Climate: Influenced by the French Revolution, Blake supported radical changes and was critical of the British monarchy and government.
Religious Criticism: Blake viewed the Church as corrupt and complicit in the suffering of the poor, failing to fulfill its moral duties.
Form and Structure
The poem consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas), each with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme. This regularity can reflect the unrelenting and pervasive nature of the suffering in London.
The poem is a dramatic monologue, written in the first person. This allows the narrator to express personal anger and frustration about the suffering he observes.
Blake uses enjambment, where sentences run over the end of lines, to create a sense of continuity and the inescapable nature of the suffering.
Shifting Focus:
First Two Stanzas: Describe the general deprivation and misery observed in the streets of London. Third Stanza: Shifts focus to the institutions Blake holds responsible for the suffering, such as the Church and the monarchy. Final Stanza: Emphasizes the widespread impact of this suffering, even affecting newborns, highlighting the pervasive and inescapable nature of the despair.
“I wander thro’ each charter’d street, / Near where the charter’d Thames does flow”
The repetition of “charter’d” emphasizes the control and regulation imposed by authorities, even over natural elements like the river, symbolizing the loss of freedom and natural rights.
“And mark in every face I meet / Marks of weakness, marks of woe.”
The repetition of “marks” highlights the visible signs of suffering and despair on the faces of London’s inhabitants, underscoring the pervasive nature of their misery.
“In every cry of every Man, / In every Infant’s cry of fear, / In every voice, in every ban,
The anaphora (repetition of “In every”) emphasizes the widespread suffering and feeling of bleakness as despair affects everyone.
The mind-forg’d manacles I hear.”
“Mind-forg’d manacles” suggests that the oppression is not just physical but also psychological, trapping people in a cycle of despair.
Every black’ning Church appalls;”
The “black’ning Church” symbolizes the moral corruption and complicity of the Church in the suffering of the poor, particularly the exploitation of child labor.
“And the hapless Soldier’s sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls.”
This metaphor suggests that the monarchy is responsible for the bloodshed and suffering of soldiers, highlighting the exploitation and sacrifice of the common people for the benefit of the elite. A reference to the French Revolution
And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse.”
The oxymoron “Marriage hearse” juxtaposes the joy of marriage with the death and destruction caused by societal corruption
How the youthful Harlot’s curse / Blasts the new-born Infant’s tear,
Juxtaposition between innocence of youth and sordidness of prostitution. May refer to how prostitutes are a curse on London.
Comparisons
“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Theme: The misuse of power and the transient nature of human achievements.
Comparison: Both poems critique the arrogance and corruption of those in power. While “Ozymandias” focuses on the inevitable decline of a tyrant’s legacy, “London” highlights the ongoing suffering caused by corrupt institutions.
“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning
Theme: The abuse of power and control.
Comparison: Both poems explore the negative consequences of power and control. “My Last Duchess” delves into the personal tyranny of a duke, while “London” examines the broader societal impact of institutional corruption.
“The Prelude” by William Wordsworth
Theme: The impact of human actions on nature and society.
Comparison: Both poems reflect on the consequences of human actions. “The Prelude” often explores the relationship between humanity and nature, while “London” focuses on the urban decay and moral corruption resulting from industrialization and social inequality.
“Checking Out Me History” by John Agard
Theme: The importance of recognizing and challenging oppressive histories and narratives.
Comparison: Both poems critique the way history and power are constructed and maintained. “Checking Out Me History” emphasizes the need to reclaim and celebrate marginalized histories, while “London” exposes the ongoing suffering caused by entrenched power structures.
“The Emigree” by Carol Rumens
Theme: The impact of political and social upheaval on individuals. Comparison: Both poems explore the effects of political and social conditions on people’s lives. “The Emigree” reflects on the displacement and longing caused by political conflict, while “London” depicts the pervasive suffering and moral decay in an urban setting.
