London - William Blake (1757-1827) Flashcards
Who is the author of the poem ‘London’?
William Blake
In what year was William Blake born?
1757
In what year did William Blake die?
1827
What is the primary theme of Blake’s poem ‘London’?
The critique of social injustice and the suffering of the poor.
True or False: William Blake was a Romantic poet.
True
Fill in the blank: Blake’s ‘London’ is part of his collection titled _______.
Songs of Experience
What literary device is prominently used in ‘London’ to convey the city’s atmosphere?
Imagery
What does the ‘charter’d street’ in ‘London’ symbolize?
Control and restriction imposed by society.
What type of poem is ‘London’?
Lyric poem
Which literary technique does Blake use to express despair in ‘London’?
Repetition
What does the phrase ‘mind-forg’d manacles’ refer to in Blake’s poem?
The mental constraints and limitations imposed by society.
How many stanzas are in the poem ‘London’?
Four stanzas
What social issue does Blake address through the imagery of the ‘chimney-sweeper’?
Child labor and exploitation.
Multiple choice: Which of the following best describes the tone of ‘London’? A) Joyful B) Despairing C) Indifferent
B) Despairing
What does the ‘black’ in ‘black’ning church’ symbolize?
Corruption and moral decay within institutions.
True or False: Blake’s ‘London’ suggests that the city is a place of freedom and opportunity.
False
What is the significance of the ‘youthful harlot’ in the poem?
Represents the loss of innocence and the impact of societal corruption.
What does Blake imply about the relationship between the rich and the poor in ‘London’?
There is a stark divide and exploitation of the poor by the rich.
Fill in the blank: The poem ‘London’ critiques the _______ of the Industrial Revolution.
Dehumanization
What form of poetry does Blake use in ‘London’?
Quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme
Who are the main figures depicted in Blake’s ‘London’?
The poor, the chimney-sweeper, the harlot, and the church.
What is the impact of the repeated phrase ‘I wander’ in the poem?
It emphasizes the speaker’s sense of aimlessness and despair.
True or False: Blake’s ‘London’ reflects a hopeful outlook on the future.
False
What does Blake criticize about the church in ‘London’?
Its failure to address the suffering of the poor.
Fill in the blank: The poem ‘London’ illustrates the _______ of the human spirit.
Oppression
What does the ‘midnight streets’ suggest in the context of the poem?
A sense of danger and moral ambiguity in the city.
