london

Main idea of “London” :

Blake exposes the corruption and oppression embedded in the institutions of London — the Church, monarchy, government — and shows how ordinary people are mentally and physically trapped. The poem argues that suffering is man‑made, not natural, and that society is structured to keep the poor powerless.

2. “chartered street… chartered Thames” :

“Chartered” suggests legal ownership and control. Blake criticises how the powerful claim to own not just the streets but even the natural river. This exposes the unnatural restriction of human freedom. The repetition reinforces how everything in London is regulated, mapped, and controlled by the elite.

“Marks of weakness, marks of woe” :

The repetition of “marks” suggests permanent scars — emotional and physical. The alliteration creates a heavy, dragging sound, mirroring the suffering of the people. Blake implies that oppression is visible on every face, showing how deeply society has damaged its citizens.

In every cry of every Man… In every Infant’s cry of fear” :

The repetition of “every” creates a sense of universality — suffering affects all ages and classes. The cries of infants symbolise innocence being corrupted from birth. Blake suggests that the system is so broken that even the youngest are born into fear and oppression

“mind‑forged manacles” :

This metaphor is one of the most important in the poem. “Manacles” are chains, but “mind‑forged” suggests psychological imprisonment. People are trapped not only by laws but by beliefs, ideology, and social conditioning. Blake argues that oppression becomes internalised — people accept their own suffering as normal.

“Every black’ning Church appalls” :

“Black’ning” suggests both literal pollution and moral corruption. Blake attacks the Church for failing to help the vulnerable, especially children. The verb “appalls” suggests horror, but also implies the Church should be ashamed. Blake exposes religious hypocrisy — the Church claims to be holy but ignores suffering.

7. “the hapless Soldier’s sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls” :

This is a powerful metaphor linking the suffering of soldiers to the monarchy. “Blood down Palace walls” suggests the monarchy is responsible for the deaths of soldiers — a criticism of war and political decisions. It implies that the elite benefit while the poor die. Blake is attacking the entire power structure.

9. Structure (cyclical + controlled)

The poem begins and ends with images of suffering, creating a cyclical structure that reflects how oppression repeats endlessly. The rigid ABAB rhyme scheme mirrors the rigid control of the city. The unbroken quatrains feel claustrophobic, reinforcing the theme of entrapment.

10. Message about power :

Blake argues that power in London is abused by institutions that should protect people. The monarchy, Church, and government maintain control through fear, poverty, and mental conditioning. The poem is a political protest against a society built on inequality and exploitation.