place Flashcards
(10 cards)
intro
William Blake’s London vividly explores the theme of place, capturing the oppressive and bleak atmosphere of the city. Through the lens of a speaker who observes the suffering of its inhabitants, Blake critiques the corruption and inequality that pervade London. His use of imagery, tone, and structure all serve to highlight the dark, oppressive nature of the city and its effect on its people.
“charter’d street”
“charter’d street”
The repetition of the word “charter’d” in this line emphasizes the sense of control and restriction in London. The term “charter’d” suggests that even the streets of the city are owned and regulated, stripping them of any natural freedom. The tone here is one of constraint, highlighting the lack of autonomy and the oppressive nature of the urban environment. The image of a “charter’d street” contributes to the portrayal of a place that feels artificial and confining.
“charter’d Thames”
“charter’d Thames”
Blake’s reference to the “charter’d Thames” suggests that even the river, a symbol of nature and life, has been controlled and polluted by human greed. This line conveys the unnaturalness of the city, where even the natural world is tainted by the forces of capitalism and industry. The tone is bleak and critical, reinforcing the idea that the natural landscape of London has been corrupted by the exploitation and commodification of its resources.
“marks of weakness, marks of woe”
“marks of weakness, marks of woe”
This quote highlights the physical and emotional toll that the place of London has on its people. The repetition of “marks” suggests that the city leaves an indelible impression on its inhabitants, marking them with suffering and despair. The tone here is one of sadness and pity, as the speaker notices the evidence of hardship in the faces of the people he encounters. It reflects the idea that the place itself contributes to the misery and weariness of its residents.
“In every cry of every Man”
“In every cry of every Man”
Blake emphasizes the widespread nature of suffering in the city with this line, suggesting that the cries of the people are everywhere, reflecting the universal nature of oppression. The repetition of “every” underscores the extent of the suffering in London, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair. The tone is one of sorrow and anger, as the speaker identifies the cries as symbolic of the systemic issues plaguing the city.
“The Chimney-sweepers cry”
“The Chimney-sweepers cry”
The image of the chimney-sweeper, a child forced into dangerous labor, underscores the social inequality and exploitation present in the city. The “cry” represents the voice of the oppressed, a stark reminder of the child labor that was common in Blake’s time. The tone is mournful and accusatory, condemning the city for allowing such injustices to thrive. This line also speaks to the theme of place by showing how the city’s structure enables exploitation and suffering
“And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse”
“And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse”
This final image in the poem juxtaposes the idea of marriage, traditionally seen as a symbol of unity and happiness, with the “hearse,” a symbol of death. Blake suggests that the institution of marriage, within the context of London, is corrupted and doomed to failure. The tone is one of despair and cynicism, as the speaker implies that even the most sacred aspects of life are tainted by the city’s corrupting influence.
structure
The structure of the poem, with its regular quatrains and ABAB rhyme scheme, mirrors the monotony and rigidity of the city. The regularity of the structure contrasts with the chaotic and oppressive atmosphere described in the poem, highlighting the tension between the human desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by society and the urban environment. This formal structure also reflects the poem’s criticism of the systematic control that governs London, from its streets to its people.
context
Blake wrote London in the late 18th century, during a time of rapid industrialization and social inequality. The poem reflects the harsh realities of life in the city, particularly the exploitation of the working class and the moral decay of society. The theme of place is central to the poem, as Blake critiques the city of London not only as a physical space but as a symbol of broader societal issues. The suffering and corruption depicted in the poem are not just individual misfortunes but are tied to the very structure and nature of the city itself.
conclusion
In London, William Blake uses powerful imagery, tone, and structure to explore the theme of place. Through the portrayal of a city marked by suffering, oppression, and corruption, Blake critiques the social and political systems that allow such injustices to persist. The poem’s tone reflects the speaker’s anger and despair at the conditions of the city, while the structure reinforces the sense of confinement and control. Ultimately, London serves as a powerful commentary on the negative impact that place—specifically, an industrial and capitalist society—can have on both individuals and communities.
