London Flashcards
who wrote it
William Blake
what was his background
early Romantic poet born and raised in London. Believed passionately in nature, and individual freedom and equality of all people in society
he was a committed—-
christian but held hostile views to organised religion like C of E
when did he write
early industrial revolution; population of cities increased without necessary infrastructure, increased poverty and disease
what was ‘London’ published as part of
Songs of experience, part of 1794 collection with songs of innocence
songs of innocence
happy, childhood, nature, countryside, family life
songs of experience
poverty, child labour, prostitution, abuse of power, dangerous industrial conditions, effect of modern life on people + nature
french revolution
Blake was inspired by it, he believed politicians, church and wealthy didn’t help everyday people. thought ordinary people should rise up using violence if necessary, like in France
“I wander…”
I wander through each chartered street, / Near where the chartered Thames does flow
“In every…”
In every cry of every man, / In every infant’s cry of fear, / In every…
“mind…”
mind-forged manacles
“Every…”
Every black’ning church appals
“Runs…”
Runs in blood down palace walls.
“plagues…”
plagues the marriage hearse
