William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who lived from 1757 to 1827. He is known for his unique poetic style that combines elements of mysticism, spirituality, and social criticism. One of his most famous poems is “London,” which was first published in 1794 as part of his collection, Songs of Experience.
The Poem: London
In the poem, Blake describes the city of London as a place of misery and despair. He highlights the suffering of the poor and the injustices that they face on a daily basis. The poem begins with these lines:
“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.”
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. Blake’s use of the word “charter’d” suggests that everything in London is controlled and regulated by those in power. The Thames river, which flows through London, is also described as “charter’d,” implying that even nature has been tamed and exploited by human beings.
The Social Context: Industrialization and Poverty
To understand why Blake wrote this poem, it’s important to consider the social context in which it was written. During Blake’s lifetime, England was undergoing rapid industrialization. While this led to increased wealth for some, it also resulted in widespread poverty and suffering for many others.
Blake lived in London for most of his life and witnessed firsthand the effects of industrialization on its inhabitants. He saw how people were forced to live in cramped quarters with little access to fresh air or clean water. He also saw how children were forced to work long hours in factories instead of attending school.
Through his poetry, Blake sought to expose the injustices of the society in which he lived. He wanted to draw attention to the suffering of the poor and to call for change.
The Theme: The Limits of Human Experience
In addition to critiquing the social conditions of his time, Blake’s poetry also explores larger themes related to human experience. In “London,” he suggests that people are trapped in a cycle of misery and despair that they cannot escape.
“But most thro’ midnight streets I hear
How the youthful harlot’s curse
Blasts the new-born infant’s tear
And blights with plagues the marriage hearse.”
These lines suggest that even moments of joy, such as birth and marriage, are tainted by the poverty and suffering that pervade London. Blake seems to suggest that human beings are limited by their social conditions and that they cannot fully experience life as it should be.
The Conclusion: A Call for Change
While “London” is a bleak poem, it is not without hope. In its final lines, Blake hints at the possibility of change:
“But most thro’ midnight streets I hear
How the youthful harlot’s curse
Blasts the new-born infant’s tear,
And blights with plagues the marriage hearse.
“The mind-forg’d manacles I hear:
‘Dost thou not hear the sound of hoofs?
‘Rise up! O rise up!
‘The dawn is on the horizon!’
These lines suggest that change is possible, but it will require people to break free from their “mind-forg’d manacles” and to take action. Blake’s poetry is a call to action, urging his readers to work for a better world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Blake wrote “London” as a critique of the social conditions of his time. He saw how industrialization had led to widespread poverty and suffering and he sought to draw attention to these injustices through his poetry. While the poem is bleak, it is also a call for change, urging readers to break free from their limitations and work for a better future.