London By William Blake Flashcards
Who is the author of the poem ‘London’?
William Blake
What literary period does ‘London’ belong to?
Romanticism
What is the central theme of the poem ‘London’?
Social injustice and oppression
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem ‘London’?
ABAB
In ‘London’, what does the phrase ‘charter’d street’ imply?
Controlled and restricted by authority
What does the speaker see in ‘London’ that symbolizes oppression?
The marks of weakness, marks of woe
What does the repetition of ‘charter’d’ in ‘London’ suggest?
The pervasive nature of control and restriction
What is the mood of the poem ‘London’?
Hopelessness and despair
What does the speaker hear in ‘London’ that suggests suffering?
The mind-forg’d manacles
What does the speaker refer to as ‘black’ning church’ in ‘London’?
The corruption and hypocrisy of religion
What does the repetition of ‘cry’ in ‘London’ emphasize?
The widespread suffering and oppression
Who does the speaker blame for the suffering in ‘London’?
The political and religious authorities
What is the significance of the river Thames in ‘London’?
Symbolizes the pervasive nature of oppression and suffering
What does ‘every black’ning church appalls’ suggest in ‘London’?
The corruption and hypocrisy of organized religion
What is the effect of the repetition of ‘marks’ in ‘London’?
Emphasizes the visible signs of suffering and oppression
What is the purpose of the imagery of ‘mind-forg’d manacles’ in ‘London’?
Represents mental imprisonment and oppression
What does the speaker mean by ‘blasts the new-born infant’s tear’ in ‘London’?
The harsh realities of life affect even the most innocent
What does the speaker refer to as ‘plagues’ in ‘London’?
The societal issues and injustices
What does the speaker mean by ‘runs in blood down palace walls’ in ‘London’?
The violence and corruption of the ruling class
What is the effect of the repetition of ‘runs’ in ‘London’?
Emphasizes the continuity of violence and corruption
What does the speaker see in ‘London’ that symbolizes restriction and control?
The ‘charter’d Thames’
What is the significance of the term ‘charter’d’ in ‘London’?
Emphasizes the oppressive nature of authority
What does the speaker refer to as ‘mind-forg’d manacles’ in ‘London’?
Mental chains of oppression and control
What does the speaker suggest about the impact of suffering in ‘London’?
It is widespread and ingrained in society
What is the overall tone of the poem ‘London’?
Critical and condemning
