London Flashcards
What does the alternate rhyme scheme in the poem symbolise?
2 answers
- Symbolisises tight control. The poem is tightly controlled just like the people in London are.
- Rhyme scheme doesn’t change just like the situation for these neglected people doesn’t change. Poet is showing that change needs to happen because it has been like this for too long.
When was “London” written?
- 19th century.
What are the 2 meaning of the word: “chatered?”
- Mapped out.
- Charters: people who would raise rent. Exploitation/ mistreatment.
What is the main message of the poem?
- Blake is criticising the way poor people are mistreated by people of higher power in London during the time of Industrial Revolution.
What is the significance of The Thames being described as “chartered?”
- Suggests that the free- flowing river is owned by someone.
Give examples of melancholy language used throughout this poem.
- “marks of woe”
- “cry”
- “sigh”
- “hearse”
Which people does Blake draw his attention to in this poem and why?
- Crying infants and men.
- Chimney sweepers
- Soldiers
- Infant
- Prostitutes
- They are all neglected in society/ controlled by people of high power. Need to feel sympathy for them.
Why is the poem described as onomatopeiatic ?
- Cries and sighs mentioned.
- Allows reader to imagine the sadness from control.
Give 3 ways the poem shows the control people feel in London.
- Chartered Thames
- Bans
- Mind- forged manacles
What is the significance of Blake calling the manacles “forged?”
- Industrial metaphor.
- Forged - making materials.
- In Industrial Revolution, people were being controlled.
Why does Blake draw attention to the chimney sweeper?
At time of Industrial Revolution, their job was extremely unsafe and ery tiring. He is criticing this.
What technique is used: “black’ning church” and why?
- May be literally from chimney fumes.
- Metaphor: Church becoming evil for allowing children to be exploited.
What technique is used: “hapless soldier” and why?
- Oxymoron.
- Shows soldier is unlucky because they are forced to fight.
What technique is used: “runs down palace walls” and why?
- Personification
- Grotesque image: shows how much pain they go through whilst the monarchy relax.
What technique is used: “and blights with plagues the marriage hearse?”
- Metaphor/ oxymoron
- Her oppourtunity to get married is dead now.
