London by William Blake

 London by William Blake 

Introduction of Author

William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker, best known for his visionary poetry and unique artistic style. He was a prominent figure of the Romantic movement and is often considered one of the greatest poets in the English language. Blake's works are characterized by their exploration of spirituality, social justice, and the imagination, often challenging the conventions of his time.

"London" is one of Blake's most famous poems, published in 1794 as part of his collection "Songs of Experience." The poem reflects Blake's deep concern for the social and political conditions of his era, particularly the hardships faced by the urban poor in London during the late 18th century. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Blake critiques the oppressive forces that dehumanize individuals and stifle their freedom in the city. "London" serves as both a protest against societal injustices and a call for greater empathy and compassion towards the marginalized members of society.

Stanza 1:

"I wander thro' each charter'd street,

Near where the charter'd Thames does flow,

And mark in every face I meet

Marks of weakness, marks of woe."

In this opening stanza, the speaker describes walking through the streets of London, emphasizing the sense of confinement and restriction implied by the term "charter'd." The Thames River, which flows through London, is also depicted as bound by man-made laws. The speaker observes the faces of the people he encounters, noting the physical and emotional toll of their suffering.

Stanza 2:

"In every cry of every Man,

In every Infants cry of fear,

In every voice: in every ban,

The mind-forg'd manacles I hear"

Here, the speaker hears the collective cries of the people, from men to infants, expressing fear and suffering. The phrase "mind-forg'd manacles" suggests that the constraints and limitations experienced by individuals are not just physical but also mental, imposed by societal norms and expectations.

Stanza 3:

"How the Chimney-sweepers cry

Every blackning Church appalls,

And the hapless Soldiers sigh

Runs in blood down Palace walls"

This stanza highlights the plight of different segments of society. The cries of the chimney-sweepers evoke the harsh labor conditions they endure, while the "blackning Church" symbolizes moral corruption. The soldiers' sighs, contrasted with the imagery of blood running down palace walls, suggest the violence and exploitation perpetuated by those in power.

Stanza 4:

"But most thro' midnight streets I hear

How the youthful Harlots curse

Blasts the new-born Infants tear

And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse".

The speaker continues to describe the sounds of suffering that pervade the city, particularly focusing on the curses of young prostitutes and the tears of newborn infants. The phrase "Marriage hearse" conveys the idea of marital relationships being tainted by societal ills and unhappiness.

Let's explore further the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem:

Oppression and Repression: Blake's London is depicted as a city burdened by oppression and repression. The repeated references to "charter'd" streets and "charter'd Thames" suggest that even nature itself is bound by man-made laws and restrictions. This conveys a sense of confinement and control over the people, stifling their freedom and individuality.

Poverty and Suffering: 

The poem vividly describes the poverty and suffering endured by the lower classes. Blake highlights the "marks of weakness, marks of woe" etched on the faces of the inhabitants, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of their hardships. The imagery of "black'ning Church" and "black'ning" walls suggests a pervasive atmosphere of despair and decay.

Corruption and Moral Degradation: 

Blake critiques the moral degradation prevalent in society, symbolized by the "mind-forg'd manacles" that imprison the minds of the people. The "hapless Soldier's sigh" and the "youthful Harlot's curse" reflect the disillusionment and despair experienced by individuals from various walks of life. The reference to the "Marriage hearse" suggests a bleak view of marital relationships, tainted by societal constraints and unhappiness.

Industrialization and Urbanization:

Blake explores the adverse effects of industrialization and urbanization on society. The "chimney-sweeper's cry" and the "hapless Soldier's sigh" represent the exploitation and dehumanization of laborers and soldiers within the industrial and military complexes of the city. The image of the "blood down palace walls" evokes a sense of violence and injustice perpetuated by those in power.

Rebellion and Resistance: Despite the pervasive despair depicted in the poem, there are elements of rebellion and resistance. The speaker's observation of the "every cry of every -born Infant's tear,And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse".

The speaker continues to describe the sounds of suffering that pervade the city, particularly focusing on the curses of young prostitutes and the tears of newborn infants. The phrase "Marriage hearse" conveys the idea of marital relationships being tainted by societal ills and unhappiness.

Conclusion 

"London" by William Blake paints a bleak picture of life in the city during his time. It talks about how people suffered, how poverty was everywhere, and how even children and soldiers faced hardships. Blake criticizes the society of his time for its injustice and lack of compassion. He wants people to notice these problems and work together to make society fairer and more caring for everyone.