Structure and Meaning
In William Blake's poem "London," the use of caesura emphasizes the power of the city and how it weakens its people, leaving a long-lasting effect that changes and breaks them down. Additionally, enjambment allows Blake's own thoughts and feelings to escape London's control, giving a sense of personal experience and opinion. The strict quatrains in the poem suggest a strict structure under dictatorship and control, with no means of escape. The use of anaphora, with the repetition of "In every," conveys the restraints that impact everyone in the city.
Imagery and Language
Blake employs repetition to create a long-lasting impression of "marks" of "weakness" and "woe," symbolizing a permanent state of depression. The juxtaposition of the "black'ning church" depicts evil against the supposed goodness of the church, conveying a sense of dirtiness associated with the institution. The use of oxymorons such as "marriage hearse," "cry of every man," and "hapless soldiers" suggests a break from masculine expectations, indicating how London changes people. Furthermore, the poem uses natural imagery of the Thames, which is controlled and "chartered," as well as the streets, symbolizing a metaphorical sense of dictatorship. This imagery suggests that London should be free-flowing and not under the control of external forces.
Environment and Effect
As a Romantic poet, Blake believed in the power of nature and was a radical thinker beyond his time. He rejected organized religion, viewing it as oppressive, and lived in London, where he witnessed the poverty and problems brought about by the Industrial Revolution. The poem also reflects the themes of corruption, control, and the power of organized religion and government.
Quotes and Themes
The poem features quotes such as "youthful harlot's curse," "blasts the new-born infant's tear," "marriage hearse," and "mark in every face," all of which convey themes of childhood, loss of innocence, and the impact of the city on its inhabitants. Additional quotes such as "chartered Thames does flow," "mind-forged manacles," "black'ning church appals," and "runs in blood down palace walls" further emphasize the sense of control and oppression present in London.
Overall, William Blake's "London" provides a powerful and evocative portrayal of the city, revealing the detrimental effects of its power and the oppression experienced by its residents.
