Poetry Anthology London

Blake uses meter and rhythm

Blake uses three lines of iambic tetrameter (and one of trochaic tetrameter) implying order and control, as the consistency of the rhythm suggests the relentless oppression they face.

Blake uses structure

The poem employs cyclical structure; as the first /second and fourth stanzas focus on the impact of people, while the third stanza explores the cause of suffering.

Blake uses rhyme scheme and tone

Blake's consistent rhyme scheme conveys the sense of control and oppression in London, giving a hopeless tone as it portrays suffering as never- ending.

Blake uses imagery

There is a reoccurring image of death and despair; as the speaker cries at every corner, and words like "curse", "plagues", and "hearse" allude to an image of death.

Blake uses tone and mood

The poem has a sombre, morbid tone and reflects Blake's unhappiness and dissatisfaction with his life in London, as he doesn't notice anything positive about the place.

Blake uses anaphora

The poem uses the phrase "in every" as well as the singular word "every" seven times. Blake is perhaps emphasising the inescapable suffering, that impacts everyone.

Summary of "London"

An anonymous speaker (possibly Blake) observes as he walks through London, pointing out the cruelty and injustice in society as he criticises the Church and the monarchy.

Historical context of William Blake

The French Revolution inspired radicals like him; as it showed how the oppressed could seize power from the priveledged.

Analyse "In every infant's cry of fear"

This is significant as children connote innocence and should not have to suffer. The phrase incites sympathy from the reader and conveys pessimistically how every life is doomed with misery.

Analyse "mind-forged mannacles"

Internal oppression and weakness, also a culmination of the suffering experienced in the preceding lines. "Manacles" associated with lack of freedom, conveying internal enslavement from their "mind" as they have accepted injustice, and an external enslavement from the authorities like the Church and the Monarchy.

Analyse "Marks of weakness, marks of woe"

Breaks from the iambic tetrameter used for most of the remainder of the poem, which could reflect how if people rise up against power, they can free themselves from social constraint.

Analyse "Blackning church appalls"

"Blackning church appalls"-the adjective "Blackning" literally describes the soot and smoke polluting London during the Industrial Revolution. Although, there are also connotations of immorality and evil, which juxtaposes the "church"

London as a dramatic monologue

Blake wrote the poem in the first person, creating a dramatic monologue from the perspective of the speaker, who narrates themselves wandering through the overcrowded, formidable and nefarious streets of 18th century London.

Analyse "chartered streets"

The "chartered streets" convey that they are effectively owned and marked by the wealthy. "Chartered" litererally refers to the River Thames, which should be common to everyone but instead it is owned. Moreover, it could also refer to the privitisation due to the industrial revolution.

Analyse "Runs in blood down palace walls"

Imagery of soldier's blood ultimately staining the palace walls, which conveys the greater power of the monarchy, and the nobility of the soldiers is just a disguise for the suffering that is ever-present throughout the society.

Blake on auditory imagery

Blake focuses on auditory imagery throughout the poem as he uses verbs like "cry", "sigh", "curse", and "hear". Perhaps Blake wants the reader to be more attentive to the signs of suffering around them, as well as listen to his own message.

Blake on perspective

London is written with a first-person speaker, speaking passionately about what he sees and experiences, combined with simple language in a conversational-like tone.

Central themes of "London"

Effects of the Industrial Revolution, poverty, materialism and child labor are the major themes of this poem. The poet expresses the darker aspects of London, and focuses on moral corruption and death.