London Flashcards
What is the poem London about?
Blake was a radical and against the government because he believed they were perpetuating a rigid class system. London didn’t have a corresponding poem in the Songs of Innocence collection (unlike others) so he thinks London has lost its innocence. London, and the people, are controlled by the government.
What is the structure of London?
Iambic tetrameter and alternate rhymes - London’s is controlled, regular pattern shows that evil will continue.
Enjambement builds up the poets anger/frustration.
4 quatrains shows that everything is controlled.
Anaphora of “in every” demonstrates that suffering is everywhere.
Key quotes in London?
“Chartered Thames” “In every” (anaphora) “Ban” “Mind-forged manacles” “Black’ning church” “Runs in blood down palace walls” “Harlot’s curse” “Plagues” “Marriage hearse”
Who wrote London?
William Blake.
“Runs in blood down palace walls”
Blake was against the established Church mainly due to its inability to help the poor.
“Marriage hearse”
Prostitution plague the institution of marriage.
“Every blackening Church appalls”
Metaphor - the Church has been blackened and lost it’s innocence.
London context?
French Revolution in 1789 - poem warns of a revolution in Britain.
Anti-government because the government are perpetuating a rigid class system
Romantic poet - the industrial revolution damaged nature.
Blake was against the established church mainly due to its inability to help the poor.
London didn’t have a corresponding poem in his Songs of Innocence collection (unlike others) so he thinks London has lost innocence.
Blake sees the French Revolution as a new beginning - monarchy feels threatened in England.
Imagery quotes in London?
Chartered Thames
Mind-forged Manacles.
Semantic field of control in London?
Ban
Manacles
Chartered.
