London

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

The poem is about the state that London is left in after the great depression, from the point of view of a man who lives there as he walks down the streets and basks in the results of the neglect the people are experiencing from the government.

Question 2

“Chartered”

Answer 2

The word chartered means to have ownership of something, it’s frequently used when referencing various fixtures in London so the reader is aware that even things like the “Thames” have been claimed. It seems that the people of London are almost stuck between this and having everything taken away from them, they have no control over their surroundings because people are scrambling to own them.

Question 3

“Blights with plague the marriage hearse”

Answer 3

This quote is about the “harlots” that seem to be polluting London. The “harlots” seem to be symbol of negativity influencing “infants” and destroying customaries that were deemed important like marriage, the fact that sacred things and innocent children are being influenced is very effective in making the reader realise that the issues occurring are very severe.

Question 4

“Blackened church”

Answer 4

The idea that the church is blackened stems from the idea that members of the church have refused to help the children suffering in this situation, being forced to become “chimney sweepers” as a result of London’s financial situation. The church was supposed to be a support system and effectively not only disrespecting the institution but religion as a whole can suggest that this situation is very extreme.

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

Nearly every line ends in a pause, may be attempting to amplify each issue with London by pausing after each mention - makes the reader take the issue in more (more room for consideration)

Question 6

Compare to

Answer 6

• tissue
• my last duchess
• ozymandias
• the emigree

Question 7

Author

Answer 7

William Blake