LONDON Flashcards
The repetition of what word
Repetition of “in every” is used to show the life of suffering is repetitive and inescapable able no relief from it, no let up as it is the result of the choices of those in power. Only people who can do something about it.
To show peoples place in society
“Marks of weakness” Blake is suggesting that everyone is without power and in misery.points out that people are suffering. can be a Metaphor for there brand in society. Caused by them in power. But are branded with this look to show their place in society.However it is actually imaginary of the marks on peoples faces suggesting that William Blake that has made up these marks because he feels conflicted by authority
The word “mark” is one of the gospels in the bible in the journey from the birth of Jesus to death. William Blake hates religion perhaps this is reference to established religion and his protest against it
Quote to show how people are trapped
“Mind-forged manacles” like handcuffs showing the lack of freedom of the poor people and you are never actually free from anything. Metaphor And that they are trapped in the cycle of the poor society. Manales and Charted can be linked they are physically combined but so are there thoughts. Shackles are also imaginary therefore their own mind trap the citizens rather than something obvious like disease
Structure
Written in four stanzas with a regular alternate scheme. This may represent the narrator walking around London . Stanza 1 - focuses on Misery, Stanza 2 on people refusal to stand tall Stanza 3- about the way people are sacrificed for the rich and powerful, Stanza 4 how all this poverty is corrupting everything good about family life.
The quote with a Oxymoron
“And plights with plagues the Marriage Hearse” is a oxymoron showing
that London, that was so good is going to be destroyed by the people at the top. And the miss use of power is the reason for all the suffering. The word plague links us back to the word blackening and the black death which was incurable during this time implying suffering. Black also suggest death but also in the middle ages black was linked to solemnity and authority highlighting William Blakes point but also that authority is abused. The diseases was so infectious that may imply that the inequality/injustice is spreading throughout the city.
“Charter
“Charter’d street,
The definition of charter is a figure of authority, granting certain rights and permissions
The meaning of this term carries with it the meaning of being confined within the city limits.
The use of this term also stresses the physical and mental confinement and oppression of the people of London during this time
Afterwards it says that “charter’d Thames does flow suggesting that of injustice and repression actually “flowing” through the capital city and through a famous landmark
Chimney
Chimney sweepers cry black’ning
William Blake is attacking the church again
The word blacking can suggest they are literary trapped in dust and dirt and also symbolically references to death
Blake was against child labour
The word cry suggesting that the chimney sweeper is defenceless and cannot do any thing about the cycle of the poor people in London.
