London (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

London

"London" by William Blake

Context

• William Blake was a Romantic poet and artist who often critiqued the social and political issues of his time. "London" reflects his disillusionment with the city, exploring themes of oppression, corruption, and the suffering of the poor during the Industrial Revolution.

The Poem

I wander through each chartered street,

Near where the chartered Thames does flow.

And mark in every face I meet

Marks of weakness, marks of woe.

In every cry of every Man,

← Repetition

In every Infants cry of fear,

In every voice: in every ban,

The mind-forged manacles I hear:

← Metaphor

How the Chimney-sweepers cry

Every black'ning Church appals,

← Imagery

And the hapless Soldiers sigh

Runs in blood down Palace walls.

← Symbolism

But most thro' midnight streets I hear

How the youthful Harlots curse

Blasts the new-born Infants tear

← Juxtaposition

And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse.

5 quotes + analysis to achieve a grade 9

1. Repetition: "In every cry of every Man"

• Analysis: The repetition of "every" emphasises the universality of suffering in London. Blake highlights how oppression affects all social classes, creating an overwhelming sense of despair.

2. Metaphor: "The mind-forged manacles I hear"

• Analysis: This metaphor suggests that the people of London are mentally enslaved by societal expectations and internalised oppression. The "manacles" represent the psychological chains that restrict freedom and happiness.

3. Imagery: "Every black'ning Church appals"

• Analysis: The imagery of the "black'ning Church" criticises the moral corruption of religious institutions. The darkening of the Church symbolises its failure to protect and uplift the vulnerable, such as the chimney sweepers.

4. Symbolism: "Runs in blood down Palace walls"

• Analysis: The blood running down the palace walls symbolises the sacrifices made by soldiers, whose lives are wasted by a corrupt and indifferent ruling class. This line critiques the monarchy's role in perpetuating war and suffering.

5. Juxtaposition: "Blasts the new-born Infants tear / And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse"

• Analysis: The juxtaposition of life and death in these lines highlights the destruction of innocence and the corruption of social institutions like marriage. The "Marriage hearse" symbolises the death of happiness and hope in a society plagued by moral decay.

Form & Structure Points

• Quatrains and Rhyme Scheme: The poem's ABAB rhyme scheme and regular quatrains create a sense of order that contrasts with the chaotic and oppressive content.
• Repetition: Highlights the pervasive nature of suffering and oppression in London, reinforcing the poem's critical tone.
• Imagery: Vivid and often disturbing, it underscores the dark reality of life in London during the Industrial Revolution.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "London," Blake explores suffering and oppression through repetition and powerful imagery. The repetition of "every" in "In every cry of every Man" emphasises the universality of suffering in the city. The metaphor "The mind-forged manacles I hear" suggests psychological imprisonment, showing how societal expectations trap the citizens. Imagery in "Every black'ning Church appals" criticises the Church's moral decay, while "Runs in blood down Palace walls" symbolises the ruling class's exploitation of soldiers. Finally, juxtaposition in "Blasts the new-born Infants tear / And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse" highlights the destruction of innocence. Through these devices, Blake critiques the oppressive structures of London society...