London

• Who was Blake and what literary movement is he associated with?

  Blake was a Romantic Poet.
• What were Blake's views on the church, monarchy, and government?

  He disapproved of the church, monarchy, and government.
• Where did Blake live?

  Blake lived in London.
• What did Blake believe about children and childhood?

  He believed in the innocence of children and valued childhood.
• What does the title "London" suggest about Blake's perspective on the city?

  The title "London" is blunt and reflects his disapproval of re-establishment and industry.
• What does the phrase "I wandered through each chartered street" imply?

  It suggests a sense of aimlessness and being trapped in a mapped-out city.
• How does Blake convey feelings of sadness and weakness in his poem?

  Through repetition and imagery of lost creativity and deep sadness.
• What does Blake hear in "every cry of every man" and "every infant's cry of fear"?

  He hears marks of weakness and sadness.
• What does the phrase "mind-forged manacles" suggest?

  It suggests that people's thoughts and beliefs trap them, making them feel like drones.
• How does Blake view the role of the church in society?

  He believes the church should be pure and good but has become corrupt.
• What metaphor does Blake use to describe the impact of the monarchy on society?

  He uses the metaphor of "palace walls" to suggest corruption and misfortune.
• What does Blake imply about the youth and the monarchy in his poem?

  He suggests that the monarchy is guilty of allowing the youth to suffer and die.
• What does Blake mean by "the new-born infant's tear"?

  It symbolizes the suffering and corruption present from birth in society.
• How does Blake view marriage in his poem?

  He sees marriage as dead and destined to fail or be unhappy.
• What does Blake suggest about life in London?

  He suggests that life in London is inevitable and parallels the suffering of the new-born.
• What are the main themes present in Blake's poem "London"?

  • Critique of industrialization
  • Disapproval of authority (church, monarchy, government)
  • Innocence and suffering of children
  • Corruption in society
  • The inevitability of suffering in urban life
• How does Blake use imagery to convey his message in "London"?

  • Imagery of "chartered streets" suggests confinement
  • "Mind-forged manacles" symbolize mental oppression
  • "Chimney sweeper's sigh" reflects child labor and suffering
  • "Palace walls" indicate corruption and misfortune
• What is Blake's perspective on childhood and child labor?

  • Childhood should be cherished and valued
  • Child labor is a corruption of innocence
  • Children are trapped in societal expectations
  • Blake advocates for the protection of children's rights