7 Questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'London' by William Blake?
Criticism of power misuse and its impact on society
How does the poem 'London' reflect the suffering in the city?
By portraying everyone as sad and troubled, suggesting mental and physical captivity
What does the repetition of the word 'chartered' in the poem 'London' refer to?
Privately owned properties and forced control of the Thames
How does the structure of quatrains in the poem 'London' contribute to its meaning?
It reflects the relentless suffering in the city and the cyclical repetition of it
What is the significance of the reference to the hapless soldier's sigh and blood running down palace walls in the poem 'London'?
Suggesting potential for revolution and blaming monarchy for societal issues
What does the conclusion, 'the marriage hearse,' in the poem 'London' symbolize?
The destruction of old London due to power misuse
In what meter is 'London' by William Blake primarily written?
Iambic tetrameter with some variations
Study Notes
- 'London' by William Blake is a poem describing a walk through the city of London in 1794, during the reign of King George III.
- The narrator notices everyone looks sad and troubled, suggesting mental and physical captivity.
- The poem implies suffering is caused by the church, landowners, monarchy, and government.
- Blake was a poet, painter, and printmaker, born in London, known for challenging power misuse.
- The word "chartered" is repeated, referring to privately owned properties and the forced control of the Thames.
- The poem is structured in quatrains, reflecting the relentless suffering in the city and the cyclical repetition of it.
- The poem is mostly in iambic tetrameter, with some variations, reflecting the inescapable life of the poor.
- Blake uses repetition of the word "mark" with different meanings, highlighting the suffering and the poet's frustration.
- The reference to the hapless soldier's sigh, blood running down palace walls, suggests the potential for revolution and monarchy blame.
- The poem's conclusion, the marriage hearse, is an oxymoron, suggesting the destruction of the old London due to power misuse.
Explore the themes, structure, and poetic techniques used in the poem 'London' by William Blake, which critiques the oppressive systems in the city during the late 18th century. Understand the poet's use of repetition, imagery, and meter to convey the suffering and frustration of the people.
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