'London,' by William Blake (a Romantic Era poem)

Question 1

Complete the quotation:
“in every face I meet…”

Answer 1

“in every face I meet / Marks of weakness, marks of woe.”

Question 2

Which two words are repeated five times in the poem (and what does this show)?

Answer 2

“in every” (it suggests the universal suffering of all the people living in London)

Question 3

Complete the quotation:
“the Chimney-sweeper’s cry…”

Answer 3

“the Chimney-sweepers cry / Every black’ning church appalls”

Question 4

Complete the quotation:
“the hapless soldier’s sigh…”

Answer 4

“the hapless soldier’s sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls”

Question 5

Complete the quotation:
“the youthful Harlot’s curse…”

Answer 5

“the youthful Harlot’s curse / Blasts the new born infant’s tear”

Question 6

Why did Blake know London well?

Answer 6

Blake lived and worked in London.

Question 7

This poem is part of a collection of poems, called “Songs of Experience”. What is the collection about?

Answer 7

The collection of poems is about life can destroy the innocence of childhood.

Question 8

What historical event was Blake influenced by?

Answer 8

Blake was influenced by the French Revolution, when ordinary French people violently overthrew the monarchy and took control of the country.

Question 9

What real problems within Georgian London does the poem describe?

Answer 9

Pollution (caused by the industrial revolution), poverty, prostitution, and child-labour.

Question 10

What is the poem about?

Answer 10

The poem is about the terrible conditions in 18th century London.