london

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

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

  First-person perspective
• What themes does the speaker comment on while walking through London?

  Filth, corruption, child labour, monarchial abuse, and prostitution
• How does the speaker view the carriages of newlyweds in the poem "London"?

  As hearses, symbolizing a cycle of misery
• In what years did William Blake live?

  1757 - 1827
• What literary era was William Blake a part of?

  Romantic literary era
• What did Blake believe about the political situation in London?

  He thought it was corrupted by greed and inequality
• How did Blake aim to make his poetry accessible to all?

  By using simple language
• What was Blake's view on organized religion?

  He rejected it as corrupt and hypocritical
• What inspired many radicals during the time Blake wrote "London"?

  The French Revolution
• What was the outcome of the French Revolution that Blake hoped for in England?

  The end of the monarchy
• What does the term "Chartered" refer to in the context of London?

  Exclusive rights given to the wealthy for land and resources
• What is the title of the poetry collection that includes "London"?

  Songs of Experience
• How does "Songs of Experience" differ from "Songs of Innocence"?

  It exposes corruption and suffering in society
• What do the pairings of poems in "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" illustrate?

  How innocence is lost with experience of harsh reality

  
• What is the overall tone of the poem "London"?

  Negative and disillusioned
• What does the repetition of "marks" in the poem signify?

  The permanent impact of power on the citizens
• What does the adjective "black'ning" refer to in the poem?

  Both the soot from factories and the moral corruption of the church
• How does Blake use juxtaposition in the poem?

  By contrasting new beginnings with death and grief
• What is the significance of the cyclical structure in "London"?

  It suggests that suffering is never-ending
• What is iambic tetrameter?

  A technique where the poet uses eight syllables in each line
• What does the consistent rhyme scheme in "London" enhance?

  The sense of control and oppression
• What do the breaks in the iambic tetrameter reflect?

  The weakness of London’s inhabitants
• What message might Blake be conveying with the acronym "HEAR" in the poem?

  To encourage readers to listen to the signs of suffering

  
• What does Blake's use of auditory imagery in "London" signify?

  The pervasive suffering in society
• What are the main themes explored in the poem "London"?

  • Filth and corruption
  • Child labour
  • Monarchial abuse
  • Prostitution
  • Suffering and sadness in society
• How does Blake's background influence the themes in "London"?

  • Blake lived in London and witnessed its corruption.
  • He wrote about political subjects due to his disillusionment with society.
  • His belief in equality and opposition to oppression is reflected in the poem.

  
• What is the significance of the poem's structure and form?

  • Four regular stanzas with an ABAB rhyme scheme.
  • Reflects control and oppression.
  • Cyclical structure suggests suffering is never-ending.

  
• How does Blake's use of language enhance the poem's themes?

  • Juxtaposition highlights contrasts in society.
  • Repetition emphasizes the permanence of suffering.
  • Auditory imagery calls attention to the cries of the oppressed.

  
• What do the breaks and structural weakening in London reflect according to the study material?

  They reflect the weakness of London’s inhabitants who have been permanently weakened by suffering.

  
• What is the significance of the first letters of each line in the third stanza spelling out "HEAR"?

  It may serve as a subliminal message to readers, emphasizing the auditory signs of suffering.

  
• How does Blake use auditory signs in the poem?

  He focuses on words like "cry", "sigh", "curse", and "I hear" to highlight suffering.
• What is the effect of juxtaposition in Blake's poem?

  • Contrasts phrases like "marriage hearse"
  • Critiques societal views on marriage for women
  • Highlights the loss of rights and oppression in marriage

  
• What does the term "anaphora" refer to in the context of the poem?

  Anaphora refers to a word that refers to a previously used word.
• How does Blake use the phrase “in every” in the poem?

  He uses it to emphasize the extent of suffering affecting everyone without discrimination.
• What does the repetition of the word "chartered" signify in the poem?

  It signifies the privatisation of land and the oppression stemming from it.
• How does Blake portray the relationship between nature and oppression?

  He comments on the oppression of nature by humans, suggesting greed tries to control it.
• What institutions does Blake identify as sources of suffering in London?

  • Monarchy
  • Government
  • Church
• What do the "chartered streets" symbolize in the poem?

  They symbolize the lack of freedom and privatisation due to the industrial revolution.
• How does Blake depict the suffering of soldiers in the poem?

  He references "hapless soldiers sigh" to illustrate the threat of military action after the French revolution.