London

Poet

WILLIAM BLAKE

Context

This poem featured in a counterpart anthology titled Songs of Innocence & Experience. The ‘experience’ poems were much more cynical and pessimistic __about his experiences. This poem is set during the industrial revolution,__ when poverty, disease and malnutrition was rife. Also, England was at war with France and women didn’t have any rights.

Plot

The poem takes the reader__ on a journey through the streets of London__. We are presented with appalling sights and experiences which were commonplace to Victorians. He sees both adults and children crying. People lack freedom and are in a state of despondency.

Form

  • Four, four-lined stanzas
  1. Misery
  2. People refusing to revolt
  3. Sacrifices for the affluent
  4. Corruption in family and life
  • Regular rhyme scheme
  • Consistently alternating ABAB rhythm

Language

  • Repetition
  • Alliteration
  • Metaphor
  • Symbols
  • Slang
  • Oxymoron

Tone

  • Anger
  • Despair
  • Disillusionment

Themes

  • Power of humans
  • Conflict
  • Religion
  • Grief