London - About Flashcards
what is the poem about
narrator is describing a walk around the city of London. Everywhere he goes, he is greeted by misery and despair which seems relentless. People in power (church and monarchy) seem to be behind the problems but do nothing to help
what is the form of the poem
dramatic monologue - speaks passionately about the suffering he sees. ABAB rhyme scheme is unbroken - echoes the misery of the city. Could be the sound of his feet as he trudges around
what is the structure of the poem
first 2 stanzas focus on the people he sees and hears, shifts in stanza 3 to the institutions he holds accountable for the depravity. final stanza focuses on newborn babies and how they’re affected
what does the writer use
rhetorical language, repetition, use of the senses, contrasts
why does the writer use rhetorical language
to persuade you of his point of view, - he uses powerful and emotive language to reinforce the horror of the situation
why does the writer use repetition
to emphasise the number of people affected and how much it needs to change
why does the writer use the senses
poem includes depressing sights and sounds of the city. First stanza shows what he sees, the second what he hears, last 2 stanzas combine the visual and aural (hearing)
why does the writer use contrasts
show how everything is affected and nothing pure or innocent remains
what are the feelings and attitudes in the poem
anger and hopelessness
how is anger used
repetition, emotive language, “palace walls” show he’s angry at those in power that aren’t doing anything
how is hopelessness used
people themselves are also to blame - they’re trapped in their own attitudes, appear hopeless because they’re not able (or not even trying) to help themselves
