London - William Blake

Question 1

“I wander thro”

Answer 1

using 1st person signifying a personal first-hand account of the problems in London.

Question 2

Repetition “mark”

Answer 2

The repetition of the word ‘mark’ symbolises the physical scarring of the people of London. It could also suggest the obvious suffering that was happening.

Question 3

Repetition “In every”

Answer 3

The repetition of ‘every’ demonstrates the size of the problem because it impacts on children and adults. No- one can escape the poverty.

Question 4

“The mind-forg’d manacles”

Answer 4

‘Manacles’ are handcuffs. The image of ‘mind-forg’d manacles’ implies that the people are trapped emotionally in society and in their social class.

Question 5

“Runs in blood down Palace walls”

Answer 5

This could suggest that soldiers are dying in pointless wars. Blake is blaming the monarchy for the deaths of the soldiers as the metaphor of ‘runs in blood’ implies that the Monarchy is murdering the soldiers.

Question 6

“blights with plagues“

Answer 6

The word ‘plague’ could suggest that there is no cure for the level of suffering and the pain is like an infestation that is attacking London.