London Flashcards
Context
William Blake sets this poem during the industrial revolution, when poverty, disease and malnutrition was rife. Also England was at war with France and women didn’t have any rights
Plot
The poem takes the reader on a journey through the streets of London. We are presented with appalling sights and experiences which were commonplace to Victorians. He sees both adults and children crying. People lack freedom and are in a state of despondency (low spirits from loss of hope)
Form
4, Four lined stanzas (quatrain)
A regular ABAB rhyme scheme.
Tone
Anger
Despair
Disillusionment
Themes
Power of humans
Conflict
Religion
Grief
Key quotes-“The mind-forged manacles I hear”
The metaphor in this quote is used to highlight how the poor have no escape out of poverty as they are stuck in this way of life. Also there are metaphorical chains created by peoples own ideas and the speakers language reveals his belief that society metaphorically imprisons people so it becomes apparent that thoughts and ideals of society in the industrial revolution are under scrutiny
Key quotes-“And the hapless soldier’s sigh runs in blood down palace walls”
Blake’s message can be seen in this quote as he is bitter at the monarchy for not helping the poor as they don’t even help their own soldiers, who die for them, even though they have enough money to. He also suggests that soldiers are victims of a corrupt government as he accuses the higher up people in his society of spilling the blood of soldiers to maintain their comfortable lifestyle. This refers to how the rich got richer and the poor stayed poor in the industrial revolution
Key quotes- “How the youthful Harlots curse Blasts the new born infants tear”
This quote shows how poverty in the industrial revolution was a never ending cycle. The prostitute, a symbol of desperation and corruption at the time, would give birth to a child who is born into poverty, and will not get out of it. It can also be seen as an ultimate attack upon innocence. The Harlot curses the tears of a new-born baby rather than comforting it. This shows the hardened heart of the Harlot, which represents the hardened hearts of society. Whilst the innocent shed tears, the perverted attack them
Can compare with…
Tissue-The way Humans are controlled
Ozymandias-Both poets are romantics and criticise power
The Emigree- Feelings towards a place
Checking out me history- Criticising the misuse of the power of humans
