Studied by 2 people
“marks of weakness, marks of woe”
‘marks’ reference the metaphorical scars left by the controlling, oppressive system which makes the Londoners vulnerable
could also reference the physical marks left on Londoners who don’t have the funds to stay protected to the poor sanitation etc
“Mind forged manacles I hear”
‘manacles’ - restrict and control the population as a result of religious, social, economic and political forms of controls
“How the chimney sweeper’s cry”
symbolises the abuse of innocence as boys were forced by their poverty into dangerous and exploitive employment
“Black’ning church”
the church is also to blame for the relentless and and overwhelming suffering alongside the government and the monarchy
what is the effect of the oxymoron “Marriage herse”
suggests how the control and suffering over people has brought the happiness of marriage down to the evils of death in “hearse”
what is the effect of repetitive stanza structure and rhyme scheme
reflects the relentless and overwhelming suffering in the city and how it is inescapable
