London by William Blake

This page analyzes William Blake's poem "London", which offers a scathing critique of the social and political conditions in late 18th-century London. The poem is part of Blake's collection "Songs of Experience" and presents a bleak view of urban life.

The analysis begins by noting the poem's regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) and rhythm, which reflects the speaker's steady pace as he walks through London's streets. This regularity is interpreted as representing the monotonous nature of life in the city.

Highlight: The repetition of the word "chartered" in the first stanza emphasizes the level of control exerted by the government over every aspect of city life.

The annotations explore Blake's use of powerful imagery and symbolism. For example, the "mind-forged manacles" are interpreted as representing the psychological imprisonment of London's inhabitants.

Vocabulary: Manacles - handcuffs or shackles

The analysis also discusses the historical context of the poem, including references to child labor (chimney sweepers) and the French Revolution.

Quote: "And the hapless soldier's sigh / Runs in blood down palace walls"

This quote is highlighted as a possible reference to the French Revolution and a criticism of the British monarchy.

The final stanza, with its focus on prostitution and marriage, is analyzed as a commentary on the corruption of innocence and the cycle of poverty and despair in the city.

Definition: Harlot - a prostitute

The page concludes by noting that the poem ends on a confusing and disturbing note, with the oxymoronic phrase "marriage hearse", leaving readers to contemplate the bleak picture of London that Blake has painted.

My Last Duchess by Robert Browning

This page provides an in-depth analysis of Robert Browning's dramatic monologue "My Last Duchess". The poem is presented as the speech of a Renaissance duke showing a visitor a portrait of his late wife.

The analysis begins by noting the poem's form as a dramatic monologue, written in the first person. This structure allows readers to gain insight into the Duke's character through his own words.

Highlight: The possessive determiner "my" in the title immediately suggests the Duke's controlling nature.

The annotations explore the Duke's character as revealed through his speech. His pride, jealousy, and desire for control are evident in his descriptions of the Duchess and his treatment of her portrait.

Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."

This opening line is analyzed for its implications about the Duchess's fate and the Duke's attitude towards her.

The analysis also examines the historical and cultural context of the poem, set in Renaissance Italy. The Duke's references to the artist Fra Pandolf and his comments on courtly behavior provide insight into the social norms of the time.

Vocabulary: Fra - a title used for monks or friars

The Duke's jealousy and possessiveness are highlighted through his descriptions of the Duchess's behavior, particularly her tendency to blush at compliments from others.

Example: The Duke's displeasure at the Duchess's friendly demeanor is evident in lines such as "She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, / Too easily impressed".

The page ends mid-sentence, suggesting there is more analysis to follow on the subsequent page. The partial analysis provides a strong foundation for understanding the poem's themes of power, control, and the objectification of women in a patriarchal society.