London by William Blae Flashcards
“Marks of weakness, marks of woe”
Stanza 1: implies how people have mental and physical marks from their tragic experiences
“The mind-forg’d manacles I hear”
It emphasises the extent of crime in London and how the government mentally trap people into poverty.
“Chimney sweeper’s cry”
Childhood innocence is robbed and emphasises the poor working conditions. Blake criticises the rich disregarding the poor people.
“Every black’ning Church appalls”
Suggest the churches are immoral institutions and provide a facade of true life.
“Blood down Palace walls”
Implies how corrupt the rich are and refers to the French Revolution where King Louis XVI was killed by the working class
The acrostic in Stanza 3 “Hear”
Blake wants Reform to save the people in the current hierarchy of London and wants people to listen to his message
“And blights with plagues the Marriage Hearse”
juxtaposes the idea of marriage the idea of marriage and love with the harsh reality that women are forced to be immoral and cheat on their partner
Vehicle Statements
Blake uses the poem London as a vehicle to criticise the institutions of power as they neglect the vulnerable members of society whilst enjoying a lavish lifestyle and acting out of self interest. Blake highlights the cruelty faced in society and the injustice of the poor.
Blake strives to revive London into a rich and strong community and to prevent the oppression towards the people who were suffering from poverty. Blake desired to destroy the hierarchy present in society.
