Poems-London

Question 1

“Chartered street…chartered Thames…”

Answer 1

Trapped imagery.
Something that is chartered is listed and regulated.
Repetition of “chartered” highlights the extent of government authority: they even have control over rivers, which are usually associated with nature and freedom.

Question 2

“Marks of weakness, marks of woe”

Answer 2

Emotive language.
The emotive language expresses not only the extent of the suffering but also Blake’s anger at the institutions that fail to help.

Question 3

“In every cry of every Man / In every Infant’s cry of fear…”

Answer 3

Emotive language.
The emotive language expresses not only the extent of the suffering but also Blake’s anger at the institutions that fail to help.
Repetition of “every” throughout heightens the sense that the problem is widespread.

Question 4

“Every black’ning church appalls”

Answer 4

Colour imagery.
“Black’ning church” is associated with ideas of corruption and even death.

Question 5

“Runs in blood down palace walls”

Answer 5

Metaphor.
This metaphor emphasises that the monarchy is guilty of living in luxury while doing nothing to help the struggles of the city.

Question 6

Comparisons-unpleasant and/or powerful experiences

Answer 6

The Prelude.
Exposure.
Bayonet Charge.
Remains.

Question 7

Comparisons-Misuse of Power

Answer 7

My Last Duchess.
Ozymandias.