London

• context

  • describes a walk through london
  • saddened by the sights of society
• themes

  • abuse of power
  • power
• " the chartered thames does flow "
• " the chartered thames does flow "

  • nature is restricted / oppressed
  • sense of ownership by the government - unnatural
  • mapped out - maps are an attempt to impose order on nature
• " in every face i meet marks of weakness, marks of woe "
• " in every face i meet marks of weakness, marks of woe "

  • wide spread / growing problem
  • branded like cattle / suggests ownership - controlled by government
  • permanent
  • no escape from the bleakness of society
• " the blackening church appals "
• " the blackening church appals "

  • two meanings
  • literal - blackened walls due to industrial revolution
  • metaphorical - corrupt officials taking over control
  • wealthy take advantage for their own personal gain
• " hapless soldiers sighs run in blood down palace walls "
• " hapless soldiers sighs run in blood down palace walls "

  • unfortunate soldiers - given up
  • thrown to the outskirts of society with no support
  • innocent blood shed then neglected to keep their own comfort
  • wealthy and elite turn a blind eye
• comparison

  • ozymandias
  • my last duchess