London by William Blake

Question 1

What does ‘London’ represent?

Answer 1

William Blake is saying how amazing London is and then how bad it is. There is a well put Contrast between the start and finish of the Poem.

Question 2

How is ‘London’ structured?

Answer 2

Every 1st and 3rd Line of each Stanza makes sense by themselves, they Rhyme as well. The same thing happens for the 2nd and 4th Line.

Question 3

“Near where the chartered Thames does flow.” What does this show?

Answer 3

‘Chartered’ shows that it is part of an Ordered System.

Question 4

“Marks of Weakness, Marks of Woe.” What does this show?

Answer 4

This shows Upset, Despair, Agony or Sorrow.

Question 5

“The Mind-Forged Manacles I hear.” What does this show?

Answer 5

‘Forged’ means to make something Solid, “Manacles” are Hand Cuffs.

Question 6

“Every Black’ning church appalls.” What does this show?

Answer 6

“Black’ning” has Connotations of Industrial/Urban/Pollution, “Appalls” means to be Shocked at something.

Question 7

“And the Hapless Soldier’s sigh.” What does this show?

Answer 7

“Hapless” is similar to Hopeless.

Question 8

“How the Youthful Harlot’s Curse.” What does this show?

Answer 8

It is a Slang Word for ‘Prostitute’.

Question 9

“And Blights with Plagues the Marriage Hearse.” What does this show?

Answer 9

“Blights” means to Spoil, “Marriage Hearse” is an Oxymoron, where Two Terms are Unlikely in Meaning, like Juxtaposition.