London: Poet & Context

“London: Poet & Context”

• William Blake: A profound critic of the Industrial Revolution and societal structures, Blake’s work often emphasizes themes of oppression, corruption, innocence, and experience.
• Historical Context: Written during the transformative period of the Industrial Revolution, Blake was deeply disturbed by the social and economic changes he witnessed in London. This concern is often reflected in his poetry.
• Biographical Context: Blake himself lived in poverty for much of his life, and as such his poetry often concentrates on the plight of the poor. This socio-economic perspective heavily influences poems like “London”.
• Influence of Romanticism: As part of the Romantic movement, Blake espoused strong beliefs in individual imagination and emotional expression. This can be seen in his radical views and surreal imagery.

  “London: Plot”

• Setting: Set in the metropolitan city of London, the poem presents a stark depiction of urban life during the period of industrialisation.
• Narrative Voice: Told from a first-person perspective, the speaker is a wandering observer detailing the hardships they see.
• Subject Matter: Focusing on issues of poverty, despair, and social corruption, Blake uses “London” to criticize the oppressive societal systems of his time.
• Metaphorical Vision: The speaker’s ‘mark in every face’ symbolises the widespread suffering and oppression in the city.

  “London: Structure & Language Techniques”

• Structure: Composed in four quatrains, “London” has a rigid, controlled structure that contrasts with its grim content.
• Language: Blake employs repetitive and constrictive language to evoke the monotonous and oppressive nature of urban life.
• Rhyme and Rhythm: The use of a regular AABB rhyming scheme creates a stark contrast to the harsh realities depicted in the poem.
• Imagery: The poem is filled with bleak and vivid imagery, emphasising themes of suffering and desperation.

  “London: Themes & Linking Poems”

• Themes: Major themes in “London” include social inequality, universal suffering, and the destructive nature of industrialization.
• Linking Poems: Other poems in Blake’s Songs of Experience expand on these themes, such as “The Chimney Sweeper (Experience)” and “The Tyger”.