Loss of Innocence Flashcards
intro
William Blake’s poem “London” explores themes of social injustice, poverty, and the loss of innocence. Through powerful imagery and stark language, Blake illustrates how the corrupt state of society affects the most vulnerable, leading to a widespread loss of innocence. This theme is evident throughout the poem as Blake critiques the moral decay in London, using strong language and images that convey the pain and suffering experienced by the people.
“Marks of weakness, marks of woe.”
“Marks of weakness, marks of woe.”
Blake uses repetition in this line to emphasize the widespread suffering in London. The words “marks” suggest a permanent impression, indicating that the innocence of the people has been deeply scarred by their experiences. The tone is mournful and sorrowful, reflecting the loss of purity in a city marked by hardship. This loss of innocence is felt in every person Blake encounters, symbolizing the collective impact of social corruption on the people
“In every cry of every Man, In every Infants cry of fear,”
“In every cry of every Man, In every Infants cry of fear,”
Here, Blake uses the cries of both men and infants to highlight the generational impact of suffering. The image of an infant’s cry, which should be a symbol of innocence, is instead one of “fear.” This creates a stark contrast to the natural state of childhood, where innocence and vulnerability should be protected. The tone here is desperate, as Blake reveals how the innocence of the young is already tarnished by fear, symbolizing the loss of purity in a corrupted society.
“The mind-forg’d manacles I hear.”
“The mind-forg’d manacles I hear.”
Blake personifies the mental chains people place on themselves, suggesting that the loss of innocence is not only physical but also psychological. The “manacles” represent a form of mental oppression, where people are bound by their own thoughts and beliefs. The tone is accusatory and critical, implying that societal structures force individuals to lose their sense of freedom and innocence. The image of mental shackles conveys how people have been mentally and emotionally scarred by their surroundings.
“How the Chimney-sweepers cry / Every blackning Church appalls,”
“How the Chimney-sweepers cry / Every blackning Church appalls,”
The chimney sweepers represent child labor, a direct attack on the innocence of youth. The “blackning Church” suggests that institutions that should offer protection and guidance are instead complicit in this exploitation, metaphorically “blackening” the very idea of salvation. The tone here is one of anger and disillusionment, as Blake criticizes both the Church and society for allowing such horrors to continue, causing a loss of innocence for the most vulnerable.
“And the hapless Soldiers sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls.”
“And the hapless Soldiers sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls.”
This line highlights the futility and brutality of war. The “hapless Soldiers” sigh because they are victims of violence and the loss of their own innocence, having been thrown into war for a system that does not care for them. The phrase “runs in blood down Palace walls” symbolizes how the innocence of the soldiers is sacrificed in the name of power and royalty. The tone is somber and tragic, as Blake critiques the way in which society exploits the innocent for political gain.
“How the youthful Harlots curse / Blasts the new-born Infants tear.”
“How the youthful Harlots curse / Blasts the new-born Infants tear.”
Blake contrasts the innocence of a newborn with the corruption of a “youthful Harlot.” The “curse” suggests that innocence is tainted from the very beginning of life in a society filled with vice. The “new-born Infants tear” symbolizes the tragic impact of this corruption on future generations. The tone is one of despair, as Blake reveals how the cycle of loss of innocence continues to affect even the youngest members of society
structure
The structure of “London” reflects the bleakness of the subject matter. The poem is written in a regular ABAB rhyme scheme, which gives it a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality. This regularity mirrors the ongoing, repetitive nature of suffering in the city. The four-line stanzas also suggest the monotony of the lives of the poor and oppressed, emphasizing the feeling of entrapment that comes with the loss of innocence. Additionally, the poem’s use of enjambment creates a sense of urgency and flow, as Blake conveys the overwhelming nature of the corruption and pain experienced by the people.
context
“London” was written during the late 18th century, a time when England was undergoing significant social, political, and economic upheaval. The industrial revolution was in full swing, and with it came the exploitation of workers, including children, and a growing divide between the rich and poor. Blake, a visionary and critic of society, was deeply concerned with the way in which innocence was lost through poverty, child labor, and war. The poem reflects Blake’s belief that the structures of power, such as the Church and the monarchy, played a significant role in the destruction of innocence in society. The context of industrialization and the growing social inequality make Blake’s message all the more urgent, showing how the innocence of the vulnerable is systematically erased by the greed and corruption of those in power.
conclusion
In “London,” William Blake masterfully portrays the theme of loss of innocence through vivid imagery, powerful language, and a critical tone. The suffering of men, women, and children is a direct result of the oppressive forces of society, and Blake uses the cries, sighs, and curses of the people to convey the pervasive sense of lost purity. The poem’s structure and context further emphasize this loss, reflecting Blake’s belief that innocence is destroyed by the corrupt systems in place. Ultimately, “London” serves as a poignant critique of a society that sacrifices its most vulnerable citizens, revealing the tragic consequences of a loss of innocence in a world dominated by power and exploitation.
