London - Blake Flashcards
What does Blake explore?
Dangerous industrial conditions, child labour, prostitution, and poverty
What does the speaker do in London?
Wanders through the streets of London and comments on his observations
- openly criticises the church, monarchy and government
What does the speaker see in London?
Despair in the faces of people he meets
What does the speaker hear in London?
Hears fear and repression in the voices of people he meets
Who does Blake blame for the treatment of the poor people?
The Church, monarchy and the government
What is significant of Blake living and working in London during the Georgian era?
A time of great poverty and beginnings of industrial change
What is the structure of London?
Rhyme scheme: ABAB
Iambic tetrameter BUT lines 4, 14 and 15 are irregularly stressed
4 quatrains
What is the significance of ‘runs in blood down Palace walls’?
Alludes to the French revolution suggesting the experience of living in London could encourage a revolution on the streets of the capital
What is the French revolution?
In 1789, French people revolted against monarchy and aristocracy, using violence and murder to overthrow those in power
Why is the French revolution inspirational?
Model for how ordinary, disadvantaged people could seize power
What perspective is London written in?
First person
What does charter’d mean?
Controlled
What does Blake criticise in London, in regards to the children?
The type of employment given to children
What does the image of the soldiers in London suggest?
“hapless Soldier’s sigh”
They are dying in pointless wars and lays the blame at the doors of monarchy
What does Harlot mean?
Prostitute
