London Flashcards
Analyse form in London
Blake shows the routine that people are trapped in through his deliberate choice of form. Within London, the repetition of quatrains and the ABAB rhyme scheme reflect the repetitive nature of their lives.
Blake wrote the poem during a time of poverty and was actually born in London, so the poem is likely from his perspective. Perhaps the quatrains could reflect the relentless suffering, which is inescapable due to those who are established in power refuse to take action – so the suffering repeats. Blake wants to end this cycle of suffering.
Analyse the opening of London
Blake shows how those in power are controlling over ordinary people in the beginning of the poem, ‘’I wander through each chartered street’’. We know the adjective ‘’chartered’’ means something that is regulated, Blake implies that Londoners are almost controlled by those in power since even our ‘’street’’ that we live on, is regulated by the corrupt aristocracy. Alternatively, ‘’chartered’’ suggests issued by authority, or to grant permission – implying that the existence of ordinary people has been permitted by those in power, which presents us inferior.
Analyse the structure of London
Blake also has enjambment flowing through his poem to create an impression of chaos in London. Furthermore, it suggests an overwhelming urge to communicate, there’s an implication that he must send this message quick before he is silenced by those in power, emphasizing the power of institution.
Anaylse the language of London
Blake directly attacks the church, claiming that ‘’Every blackning church appalls’’. He calls out the church as they let these evils occur, despite what they teach about Christian values.
This criticism links to Blake’s own view on religion - he wasn’t a fan of established religion. ‘’Blackning’’ links to soot, and also has connotations of death or loss of innocence.
Alternatively, in the middle ages, black had links to authority, Blake could be suggesting that those in authority are to blame for these deaths. ‘’Appalls’’ has a double meaning – to shock or, ironically, a pall of smoke or a pall coffin cover.
Analyse the ending of London
Blake ends his poem saying that the harlots curse ‘’blights with plagues the marriage hearse’’. The oxymoron implies that the harlot destroys the marriage, Blake is criticizing that the blame is put onto the prostitute and not the man, thus showing how those who misuse power never really will face the consequences.
