London

• "Marks in every face I meet

  marks of weakness, marks of woe."

  • Repetition - Emphasises the permanent impact
• "Mind-forged manacles I hear"

  • Manacles - Oppression and weakness
• "Hapless soldiers sigh

  runs in blood down palace walls"

  • Hapless - Useless, soldiers weren't well equipped
  • Emjambment - Emphasises blood running
  • Personification - Palace walls symbolise the monarchy
• Links to:

  • Checking out me history - Oppression (Class/Race)
  • The Emigreé - suffering, trapped, controlled
• Themes:

  • Power - Authoritarian abuse
  • Control - People of London are mentally trapped
  • Oppression - Classes in London are seperated
• Key Message:

  Highlighting the inequality of society in Victorian London and the corruption of institutions who should be helping the vulnerable (e.g. the church).
• Context:

  Blake was critical of the inequality in London in Victorian times. During the Industrial Revolution, many people lived in extreme poverty. Blake comments on child labour (chimney sweeps) and prostitution.