William Blake’s poem “London” is a reflection of the poet’s perception of the city during his time. Published in 1794, the poem is a commentary on the social and economic conditions of London in the late 18th century. The poem highlights the suffering and misery of the people living in poverty and how it affects their lives.
Analysis of “London”
The poem begins with a description of the streets of London, which are described as “chartered,” meaning they are controlled by those in power. The poem then moves on to describe the faces of the people that Blake sees as he walks through the streets. These faces are marked by “marks of weakness, marks of woe,” indicating that they are suffering.
The Suffering
Blake goes on to describe how young prostitutes are left to wander the streets, and how soldiers have been reduced to mere automatons by fighting for their country. He describes how every face he sees is marked by sadness, and how even infants cry out in pain.
This suffering is not limited to individuals but extends to relationships as well. Blake describes marriages as being doomed from the start due to poverty and misery.
The Cause
Blake identifies several factors that contribute to this misery: oppressive government control over society, economic inequality, and religious hypocrisy. He says that these factors have created a society where people are trapped in poverty and despair.
The Message
The message that Blake wants readers to take away from his poem is that this suffering is not inevitable, but rather caused by human actions. He urges readers to take action against these oppressive systems and work towards creating a better society for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Blake’s “London” is a powerful commentary on social injustice, economic inequality, and religious hypocrisy during his time period. The poem’s bleak portrayal of the city and its people highlights the need for change and action to create a more just and equitable society. The use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor creates a haunting and memorable depiction of the suffering in London.