London

Cards (7)

  • "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.