London by William Blake

Question 1

What does William Blake use London as a vehicle to?

Answer 1

• To expose the restrictions placed upon people in the late 18th century
• To criticise institutions of power and expose the way that they mistreat those below them
• The poem explores what Blake saw when he walked around London

Question 2

Initially point

Answer 2

Blake exposes the restrictive lifestyle that citizens of London were forced to endure by the institutions of power

Question 3

Initially… (qoute 1)

Answer 3

“I wander thro’ each charter’d street”

• “I wander” is reference to him walking through London
• “Charter’d” emphasises the very restricted and prison like atmosphere surrounding London
• “charter’d” is also reference to the way in which the rich owned everything in London, and that the poor were forced to live in squalor and poverty

Question 4

Initially… (qoute 2)

Answer 4

“Charter’d Thames”

- This suggests that even the river Thames is being restricted, a symbol of the strength of nature is being controlled

Question 5

However as the text develops point

Answer 5

Blake exposes the metaphorical imprisonment placed upon these people, suggesting that their oppression extends beyond just restriction

Question 6

However as the text develops… (qoute 1)

Answer 6

“The mind-forg’d manacled I hear”

• “mind forg’d” is reference to the mental restraints put upon the common people by the monarchy and the church, especially during this very patriotic and religious time period
• The “manacles” are reference to the physical restraints put upon the poor, and the exploitation explored as the text develops

Question 7

as the text develops…(qoute 2)

Answer 7

“Black’ning Church appals”

• “church appals” is reference to the church being fully aware of the suffering experienced by the lower class, however they are reluctant to help.
• Perhaps Blake is criticising the church and the monarchy through the phrase “blood down palace walls”
• “Black’ning” and “blood” both have evil, rather sinister connotations

Question 8

Ultimately point

Answer 8

Blake exposes the corruptive nature of society in the late 18th century

Question 9

Ultimately…(qoute 1)

Answer 9

“Youthful Harlots curse”

-Young women are in such a destitute situation that they are forced to turn to prostitution as a means of supporting themselves

Question 10

Ultimately… (qoute 2)

Answer 10

“Blasts the new born infant’s tear”

• This suggests that toxicity has infiltrated all layers of society and has resulted in a young mother cursing at a new born child.
• To any audience, this would be considered as a formidable thing to do which further highlights the extent of Londoners poverty and sense of helplessness