poetry - London

Question 1

“Runs in blood down Palace walls” - what does this quote show (technique and meaning)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

“Chartered street… chartered Thames” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 2

Repetition of “chartered” highlights the extent of government authority: they even have control over rivers, which are usually associated with nature and freedom.

Question 3

“Marks of weakness, marks of woe” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 3

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

Question 4

“In every cry of every Man / in every Infant’s cry of fear…” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 4

Repetition of “every” throughout heightens the sense that the problem is widespread.

Question 5

“Every black’ning church appalls” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 5

The colour imagery has connotations of corruption and even death.