London

• London by William Blake

  • The poem depicts a first person view of walking through the streets of 18th Century London and their criticisms of the higher powers and authority
• "And mark in every face I meet / marks of weakness, marks of woe." - The speaker sees signs of suffering on everyone he meets, showing his empathy towards others.
• "I wander thro' each charter'd street" - The speaker is wandering around the city, suggesting that they are lost or disorientated. Also, the idea of 'charter'd' connotes ownership and possession which can refer back to authority.
• "In every cry of every man / In every infant's cry of fear" - The speaker is aware that there are innocent people who suffer because of the actions of those with power.
• 'Mind-forged manacles' metaphorically depicts the idea that the people of London are oppressed and manipulated into thinking a specific way that is encouraged by the Government.