London by William Blake
This page delves into William Blake's poem "London", providing a detailed analysis of its themes, structure, and poetic devices. The context of Blake as a Romantic poet inspired by the French Revolution is explained, setting the stage for understanding the poem's critique of society.
The poem is presented with extensive annotations, offering a line-by-line explanation of its meaning and significance. Blake's use of repetition, emotive language, and powerful imagery is highlighted throughout the analysis.
Definition: Chartered - In this context, it means owned or controlled, emphasizing how even natural elements like the Thames are subject to human ownership.
Example: The repetition of "marks" in the first stanza emphasizes the pervasive nature of suffering in London.
Highlight: The poem uses the metaphor of "mind-forged manacles" to suggest that people are trapped not just physically, but mentally by societal constraints.
The structure of the poem is analyzed, noting its use of four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, which reflects the control and regulation Blake observes in London. The progression of the poem from general observations to specific instances of suffering is examined.
Quote: "In every cry of every man, / In every infant's cry of fear, / In every voice, in every ban, / The mind-forged manacles I hear."
The analysis explores Blake's critique of institutions such as the church and the monarchy, and how he portrays the suffering of common people, including chimney sweepers, soldiers, and prostitutes.
