London by William Blake Two words: Charterd and Mark Literal Image: In every voice, in every ban Figurative

Language: And the hapless Soldiers sigh Runs in blood down Palace walls

William Blakes poem "London" is set in the 18th century and describes the political and social condition of the city in those times. The poem was written during the times of the French Revolution and highlights the differences in terms of the wealth and social condition that was there between the ruling classes and the common man. In the first paragraph the poet describes the sights he sees on the streets of London. With usage of the word chartered, Blake is hinting at the controlling laws and oppressive ways of the ruling classes in those times. He says that the ruling classes want to control everything including the streets and even the river Thames which should normally be free for all. But unfortunately even that is privately owned and this reflects the oppressive nature of early capitalism in London. The use of word chartered reflects anger and hint of sarcasm at the political and social scenario in London in those times. In the next couple of lines, Blake has emphasized on the word mark. He describes the common man of London as weak and woeful. The word mark has been repeated thrice in these two lines highlighting the despair and tiredness that the common man is going through because of the oppression. The poet portrays himself as an observer and says how he can see the misery of these people due to their helplessness at not being able to bring a change in their wretched destiny.

The poet literally paints this image of oppression further with the line In every voice, in every ban. The use if the word "ban" pointedly reveals how the common people were forbidden to voice their criticisms on the way the country was being ruled. This line clearly indicates how even the freedom of speech was cut back so that the masses of London dont take the revolutionary road like their French counterparts. In the next few lines the poem paints the imagery of destruction of society and religion. The use of soldiers is figurative and creates an imagery of war. The line "And the hapless soldier's sigh" is symbolic to the practice of young men being forced to join the war to serve the country. And as these soldiers unwillingly join the war they are aware that their death is near and so the palaces of the ruling class is tainted with the blood of these soldiers. Through these lines the poet puts his blaming finger to places of authority like the Church and the Palace. The usage of phrase like "runs in blood" reflects authority being immune to its common people who are in distress. These lines once again paint the sharp contrast between the masses with its helplessness and the authorities with its non-caring attitude. In the last few lines the poet takes an even more accusatory tone as he mentions how young women had to resort to prostitution because of poverty and babies are born in a loveless situation to cursing, prostitute mothers. The cycle of misery comes full circle when the marital union is tainted by the affliction of venereal disease. And the poem climaxes with the final image of marriage in which love and desire combine with death and destruction.