London

• What does the repetition of "marks" signify in the poem?


  Permanent impact of place's power
• What does the branding of citizens imply in the poem?

  They are marked by their suffering
• What does the speaker observe in every face in London?

  Marks of weakness and woe
• What do "mind-forged manacles" symbolize in the poem?

  Internalized suffering and oppression
• What does the term "chartered" imply about the streets of London?

  They are owned and controlled by the wealthy
• How does the cyclical structure of the poem affect its message?

  It suggests suffering is never-ending
• What does iambic tetrameter convey in the poem?

  Order and control amidst oppression
• What rhyme scheme does Blake use in the poem?

  ABAB rhyme scheme
• How does the structure reflect Blake's frustration?

  It shows the public's inaction against power
• How does Blake use semantic fields in the poem?

  To link words by themes of suffering
• What does the repetition of "chartered" signify?

  Privatization and control of land
• What does the "hapless soldier's sigh" reference?

  Threat of military oppression
• What does the phrase "in every infant's cry of fear" suggest?

  Children's innocence is corrupted by suffering
• What does the phrase "chimney-sweepers cry" refer to?

  Child labor exploitation in Victorian era
• How does Blake view women's roles in society?

  As victims of societal oppression
• What does the motif of suffering suggest in the poem?

  Suffering is internalized and inescapable
• What do "mind forged manacles" imply about citizens' suffering?

  It is self-imposed and internalized
• What does the speaker's observation of suffering signify?

  Recognition of societal issues
• What does the phrase "chartered Thames" imply?

  Control over natural resources
• How does the poem's structure reflect societal control?

  It mimics the oppression of lower classes
• What does the phrase "marks of weakness" suggest about the people?

  They are permanently affected by suffering
• What does the phrase "the new bride is subject to oppression" imply?

  Marriage restricts women's rights
• How does Blake view the relationship between nature and humanity?

  Human greed oppresses nature
• What does the phrase "the cycle of suffering" suggest?

  Endless suffering until rebellion occurs
• What does the phrase "the speaker marks the suffering" imply?

  He acknowledges and recognizes societal pain
• What does the phrase "the cycle of suffering is inescapable" suggest?

  People feel trapped in their circumstances
• What does the phrase "the oppression of the lower classes" imply?

  They are controlled by societal structures
• What does the phrase "the suffering of children" imply?

  Children are victims of societal neglect
• “Chartered”


  Ironic , forcing of human power onto the natural .

  Properties around the speaker are privately owned .
• ”chartered Thames does flow”

  River Thames - sacrificial attack of the obsession with property rights and as an extension of that , human power and control. The river cannot be moved by the forcing of law.
• ”And mark in every face I meet “

  stained for poverty and suffering ,permanent. Notice every face - reflects the poets frustration at the changing nature of London. Repetition highlights the inescapable, repetitive suffering of those in the poem.
• “Marks of weakness , marks of woe “

  Use of syllable is less.
• “In every cry of every man”

  Imagery of suffering
• ”mind-forged manacles”


  Mans lack of freedom - his manacles , his chains , his handcuffs - are forged. They come from the idea and outlook imposed on us by external authority . Lack of freedom - stained permanent for poverty +suffering.
• ”soldiers sigh”


  reflects how overwhelmed those suffering are
• “Runs in blood down palace walls“

  the unhappiness of the British soldier could lead to a similar uprising if its causes continue to be ignored.
• ”And blights with plagues with marriage hearse”

  criticises those in positions of power. The misuse of power by all of there groups leads to widespread suffering and despair.
• Poem by William Blake (1757-1827)
• Structure

  quatrains - 4 lines per stanza.

  Repetitive

  iambic pentameter
• Big ideas


  suffering

  Loss of innocence