London Flashcards
What is it about?
A bleak and pessimistic commentary about the poor conditions in London. Humans suffering described. A political poem urging for change.
Who is the author?
William Blake
What is the structure?
Each stanza focuses on a different aspect of London.
Different snap shot of the people living there.
Regular rhythm and rhyme- when read aloud it’s like a song.
What are the themes?
Poverty Double standards Hypocrisy Conflict Religion Life Death
Why was Blake critical of the church?
Because they weren’t helping children.
What does the quote ‘I wander thro’ each charter’d street’ show?
He’s walking through the street, describing what he sees.
Mapped- people powerless against the wealthy land lords.
What does ‘Marks of weakness, marks of woe’ show?
Negative words- danger, sadness and cruelty. Echoes the lives of people- sad sounds.
What does the quote ‘The mind- forg’d manacles I hear’ show?
People in ‘mental’ chains- cannot free them selves- imprisoned.
Chains/ handcuffs
What does the quote ‘Black’ning church’ show?
That the church and government are harming these people.
What does the quote ‘Plagues the marriage hearse’ show?
People are miserable from birth to death. These things associated with happiness are linked with sadness, grief and death.
What quote is repeated and what does it show?
‘In every’
Shows everyone is miserable.
