London - William Blake

Question 1

context - London - William Blake

Answer 1

written in 1789
part of Romantic movement - radical ideas and focussed on intense emotion and often criticised power
lived in London in 18th century
lost faith in the Church as he believed that they were refusing to help poverty and the suffering
poem was written just after the French Revolution-French citizens with low social status rising up against powerful aristocracy, so he could’ve been encouraging an uprising
strict rhythm, iambic tetrameter

Question 2

key quotations

Answer 2

• ’ wander thro’ each charter’d street
  Structural first line sets the tone of poem
  Shows how london lacks freedom and reflects Blake’s views on the politcal system of his time.
• “In every cry of every Man, In every Infants cry of fear”
  These lines highlight the widespread suffering and despair in London.
• “The mind-forg’d manacles I hear” This quote refers to the mental constraints that people impose on themselves, often as a result of societal pressures.
• “And the hapless Soldier’s sigh, Runs in blood down Palace walls” This quote criticizes the government and the monarchy for their role in perpetuating war and violence.
• “And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse”
  This quote presents a grim image of marriage, which is compared to a hearse, a vehicle used to carry the dead to their graves.