Published in 1793, four years after the outbreak of the French Revolution.
Set at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Blake expresses his concerns on impact for the city and its people.
Overview:
Very negative tone. Reflects Blake'sdisillusionment with stte.
A walk through London reveals it to be a place where freedom is restricted and poverty is ride.
Institutions such as the Church and monarchy are riddled with hipocricy as money is spent on their upkeep rather than improving the quality of life of the poor.
"And mark in every face I meet/ Marks of weakness, marks of woe."
Repetition of 'mark', emphasises the physical misery that London inhapitants display.
Reader is forced to acknowledge inescapability of physical damage caused by London. As readers, we too feel imprisoned by the repetition.
"The mind-forg'd manacles I hear."
Metaphor
Sympathy from the reader as the restrictions of freedom are caused by the mind. Handcuffs connotate being confined in poverty.
"And blights with plagues and the marriage hearse."
Juxtaposition
Striking for the reader as the two images, 'marriage' and 'hearse', which aren't normally associated are placed together. London is a city of duplicity and a difficult environment in which to sustain happiness. Could be seen as an attack on the Church and the hipocrisy of this institution.
'Marriage', symbolises love and oneness, family, fertility, and the coninuation of the family line.
Aspects of Power and Conflict:
Power of state - Individuals are powerless to restrictions imposed from 'Chartered streets'.
Political conflict - Church and King are reinforcing the inequality of society. The poor are victims.
Potential power of people - If they were to rise up in revolution.
