London - William Blake

• Who is the author of the poem "London"?

  William Blake
• What perspective is the poem "London" written from?

  First-person perspective
• What does the speaker in "London" comment on?

  Filth and corruption in the city
• What themes are explored in the poem "London"?

  Child labour, monarchial abuse, and prostitution
• How does Blake view the state of London in his poem?

  As dangerous and unpleasant
• What is the significance of the poem's title "London"?

  • Represents the city as a symbol of corruption
  • Highlights the speaker's personal connection to London
  • Reflects the societal issues present in the city
• When was "London" published?

  1794
• What does Blake criticize in his poem "London"?

  The authorities allowing corruption
• What does the phrase "marks of weakness, marks of woe" suggest?

  Permanent impact of suffering on people
• How does Blake use the term "chartered" in the poem?

  To indicate control by the wealthy
• What does the phrase "mind-forged manacles" refer to?

  Self-imposed limitations and oppression
• What does Blake imply about the church in "London"?

  It is corrupt and hypocritical
• How does Blake juxtapose marriage and death in the poem?

  Through "marriage hearse" imagery
• What does the cyclical structure of the poem suggest?

  Suffering is never-ending without rebellion
• What poetic technique does Blake primarily use in "London"?

  Iambic tetrameter
• What does the consistent ABAB rhyme scheme represent?

  Control and oppression in society
• What is the significance of the breaks in the iambic tetrameter?

  Reflects weakness of London's inhabitants
• What does the acronym "HEAR" in the third stanza suggest?

  Call to recognize suffering around them
• How does Blake's use of simple language affect his poetry?

  Makes it accessible to all members
• What does Blake's radical political view entail?

  Support for revolution against monarchy
• What societal issues does "Songs of Experience" address?

  Poverty, child labour, and prostitution
• How does Blake's view of the church differ from traditional beliefs?

  He sees it as corrupt and hypocritical
• What does Blake's education of his wife signify?

  His support for women's equality
• What does the phrase "youthful harlot's curse" imply?

  Cycle of suffering affecting the innocent
• How does Blake's poetry aim to instigate change?

  By addressing societal issues directly
• What does the imagery of "blood down palace walls" suggest?

  Violence and suffering linked to power
• What does Blake's view of the Industrial Revolution reflect?

  Concern over pollution and suffering
• How does Blake's poetry reflect his experiences in London?

  It critiques the corruption he witnessed
• What does the phrase "the chimney-sweeper's cry" signify?

  Child exploitation and suffering
• What does Blake's radicalism suggest about his views on society?

  He believed in equality and justice
• What does the poem "London" ultimately convey about the city?

  It is unambiguously corrupt
• What poetic structure is broken in the poem discussed?

  Iambic tetrameter
• How do the breaks in structure reflect the inhabitants of London?

  They symbolize the weakness of London’s inhabitants
• What do the first letters of each line in the third stanza spell out?

  HEAR
• What auditory signs of suffering does Blake focus on?

  “cry”, “sigh”, “curse”, and “I hear”
• What is the significance of juxtaposition in Blake's poem?

  • Contrasts phrases like "marriage hearse"
  • Critiques societal views on marriage
  • Highlights women's loss of rights in marriage
• What does the term "anaphora" refer to in poetry?

  A word referring to a previously used word
• How does Blake use repetition in the phrase “in every”?

  To emphasize the extent of suffering
• What does Blake suggest about oppression in his poem?

  • Stems from privatisation
  • Repetition of "chartered" indicates ownership
  • Critiques the control of nature by humans
• What do the "chartered streets" symbolize in the poem?

  Lack of freedom and privatization