London- William Blake

• What is the capital city of England?

  London
• How does Blake's use of the word "charted" in the poem have dual meanings?

  It refers to both trade and political control in London
• What does the phrase "mind-forged manacles" suggest in the poem?

  It implies that the control over Londoners is mental rather than physical
• What major historical event was happening during the time Blake wrote "London"?

  The Industrial Revolution
• Who is the poet analyzed in the video about London?

  William Blake
• What does the word "blackening" suggest in the context of the poem?

  It can mean turning black due to smoke and fog or suggest corruption
• How does the word "appalls" function in the analysis of the poem?

  It can mean to shock and disgust or to turn pale
• What is one interpretation of the line regarding the church's walls turning black?

  It criticizes the Industrial Revolution for ruining the church's beauty
• What does the second meaning of "blackening" and "appalls" suggest about the church?

  It implies the church is guilty of neglecting the people of London
• How does Blake portray the monarchy in the poem?

  As responsible for the misery of the people
• What does the phrase "blood on your hands" imply in the context of the monarchy?

  It suggests guilt for the suffering of the people
• What two entities does Blake blame in the stanza discussed?

  The church and the monarchy
• What does the phrase "youthful harlot" juxtapose in the poem?

  Purity and innocence with sordidness and depravity
• What does Blake's criticism of London shift from in the poem?

  From overwhelming control to overall seediness and filth
• What do the words "blights" and "plagues" metaphorically suggest about London?

  That London will corrupt many people and is incurable
• What does the oxymoron "marriage hearse" imply in the poem?

  That London can corrupt even sacred institutions like marriage
• How does Blake's poem reflect on the theme of control?

  It shows how control leads to weakness and sadness
• What is the structure of the poem described in the analysis?

  It consists of four quatrains with an alternating rhyme scheme
• What is iambic tetrameter?

  A line of poetry that is eight syllables long with four iambs
• What does the rhythmically weak stanza suggest about control?

  That too much control results in weakness
• What is the significance of the dramatic monologue form in the poem?

  It emphasizes the persona's powerlessness to change London
• What is the overall summary of the poem as discussed in the video?

  The persona sees misery, weakness, and corruption in London
• What critical tone is present throughout the poem?

  A sense of inevitability regarding London's corruption
• What themes are suggested in the poem regarding power?

  The power of the ruling classes and the powerlessness of the people
• How does Blake's poem relate to the theme of death?

  It metaphorically discusses the death of the individual
• What is Blake's stance on organized religion in the poem?

  He seems to attack or blame organized religion
• What is suggested about comparing poems in the analysis?

  To create a scale to compare the negativity or positivity of poems
• What should be included when comparing poems on the suggested scale?

  Names of the poems, explanations, context, and quotations
• What is Blake's overall opinion of London as expressed in the poem?

  He thinks it is a corrupt and miserable place
• What are the key themes present in Blake's poem "London"?

  • Power of the ruling classes
  • Powerlessness of the people
  • Corruption and control
  • The metaphorical death of the individual
  • Critique of organized religion
• How does the structure of Blake's poem mirror its content?

  • Rigid structure reflects themes of power and control
  • Four quatrains with an alternating rhyme scheme
  • Iambic tetrameter used throughout
  • Rhythmically weak lines suggest the impact of control
• What is the significance of the imagery used in "London"?

  • Juxtaposition highlights corruption
  • Metaphors suggest illness and disease
  • Oxymorons indicate the corruption of sacred institutions
  • Imagery of powerlessness and inevitability