London - 2021

What is the poem’s form/type?

Narrative

What is the poem’s context?

Freud and id

Explain the context.

The rich and powerful, such as the King, Queen and those behind the Palace walls, made decisions involving conflict, expansion, land and growth. Their desires for money and status had no limit. The poem shows the dangers of power and influence, as following the Id can come at a cost.

Recite the three quotes for this poem.

• “mind-forg’d manacles”

• “Runs in blood down Palace walls”

• “Marks of weakness, marks of woe”

“mind-forg’d manacles”

• Metaphor | Symbolism

• The quote presents mental control as one of the strongest forms of control. While they’re not physically chained, people can be convinced that they are free when they are actually restricted. The noun “manacles” refers to metal restraints or handcuffs, symbolising mental imprisonment.

“Runs in blood down Palace walls”

• Narrative and Personification

• The blood of soldiers and ordinary people metaphorically runs down the Palace walls. The monarchy and other powerful people avoid accountability while maintaining their influence, status and wealth. The image of blood symbolise staining the palace. This could suggest that their power has come at the cost of other people’s lives.

“Marks of weakness, marks of woe”

• Anaphora & Juxtaposition

• The Juxtaposition of physical “weakness” and emotional “woe” presents how suffering is both physical and mental. This presents the people of London as weak, miserable and almost lifeless. Although they are physically alive, their suffering makes them appear emotionally dead. This demonstrates the dire condition of London, where everyone is affected and there appears to be little relief.