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?

  As hearses, symbolizing a cycle of misery
• 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?

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

  He rejected it as corrupt and hypocritical
• What inspired Blake's radical political views?

  The French Revolution
• 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 is the significance of the cyclical structure in "London"?

  It suggests that suffering is never-ending
• What does the phrase "marks of weakness, marks of woe" imply?

  It reflects the suffering experienced by the citizens
• How does Blake use the term "black'ning" in the poem?

  To refer to both pollution and moral corruption
• What does the phrase "marriage hearse" juxtapose in the poem?

  New beginnings with grief and death
• What is the rhyme scheme used in "London"?

  ABAB rhyme scheme
• What does the term "mind-forged manacles" refer to?


  Internal oppression and societal constraints
• What does the first-person perspective in "London" achieve?

  It makes the poem feel personal and relatable
• What is the effect of the breaks in iambic tetrameter in the poem?

  They reflect the weakness of London’s inhabitants
• What message might Blake be conveying with the auditory signs of suffering?

  He wants readers to recognize and listen to societal ills

  
• What are the main themes explored in William Blake's poem "London"?

  • Filth and corruption
  • Child labour
  • Monarchial abuse
  • Prostitution
  • Suffering and sadness in society
• How does Blake's poetry reflect his views on society and politics?

  • Critique of greed and inequality
  • Advocacy for change and equality
  • Rejection of organized religion
  • Support for the disenfranchised
  • Reflection of the impact of the French Revolution

  
• What is the significance of the structure and form of "London"?


  • Consistent iambic tetrameter shows oppression
  • ABAB rhyme scheme enhances control
  • Cyclical structure suggests endless suffering
  • Breaks in structure reflect societal weakness

  
• What literary devices does Blake use to convey his message in "London"?

  • Juxtaposition (e.g., "marriage hearse")
  • Repetition (e.g., "marks")
  • Imagery of suffering and corruption
  • Auditory signs of pain (e.g., "cry", "sigh")
• 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 letters HEAR in the third stanza of the poem?

  They may serve as a subliminal message to readers about listening to the 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.
• What does the repetition of the word “chartered” signify in the poem?

  It signifies the privatisation of common land and the oppression of the wealthy over the poor.
• What are the symbols of suffering in Blake's poem?

  • "Chartered streets" symbolize lack of freedom
  • "Hapless soldiers sigh" symbolize military oppression
  • "Every black’ning church" symbolizes the failure of organized religion

  
• What does the adjective "blackening" imply in the poem?

  It acknowledges pollution and critiques organized religion's failure to support the disadvantaged.
• How does Blake portray the suffering of children in the poem?

  He highlights their suffering through phrases like “in every infant’s cry of fear”.
• What does the phrase "youthful harlot" signify in the poem?

  It signifies the immorality and exploitation of women forced into prostitution due to lack of opportunities.
• What does the cyclical structure of the poem suggest about suffering?

  • Suffering is internalized and inescapable
  • Citizens do not rise against their oppressors
  • Suggests a never-ending cycle of misery

  
• What do "mind forged manacles" symbolize in the poem?

  They symbolize the internalized suffering and self-imposed restrictions of the citizens.
• How does Blake suggest society can be reformed?

  By breaking free from aversion to change and taking action against oppression.