London by William Blake Summary
The poem “London” by William Blake, is part of his collection titled “Songs of Experience.” Published in 1794, Blake’s poetry often explores the social, political, and spiritual issues of his time. “London” reflects his criticism of the harsh conditions and societal problems prevalent in the city during the late 18th century.
The poem begins with the speaker wandering through the streets of London, describing them as “charter’d,” suggesting that they are constrained or restricted. The mention of the charter’d Thames implies a controlled or commercialized river, emphasizing the pervasive influence of commerce on the city.
The speaker observes the people he encounters, noting “marks of weakness, marks of woe” on their faces. This suggests a society burdened by suffering and despair. The repeated use of “charter’d” and the references to cries and manacles evoke a sense of confinement and oppression.
The lines about chimney-sweepers, blackening churches, and soldiers’ sighs indicate the harsh realities faced by different segments of society. The mention of blood running down palace walls suggests the high cost of power and authority.
In the latter part of the poem, the focus shifts to the nighttime streets, where the speaker hears the curses of youthful harlots. The reference to the new-born infant’s tear and the plagues on the marriage hearse underscores the destructive impact of social and moral decay on the innocence and purity of individuals.
Overall, “London” serves as a powerful critique of the societal issues and injustices Blake observed in the city during his time, using vivid imagery and poignant language to convey his concerns.
Key Points
Author
William Blake: An English poet, painter, and visionary artist known for his mystical and symbolic works. He lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Form
“London” is a four-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines (known as quatrains). The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB throughout.
Speaker
The speaker is an observer who walks through the streets of London, witnessing the city’s suffering and misery.
Setting
London: The poem is set in the bustling city of London during the Industrial Revolution. It portrays a grim and oppressive urban landscape.
Theme
The Oppression of Urban Life:
The poem highlights the hardships faced by Londoners due to industrialization, poverty, and societal constraints.
The city is depicted as a place marked by weakness, woe, and mental imprisonment (“mind-forg’d manacles”).
The cries of men, infants, and other voices echo throughout the cityscape.
The Corruption of Childhood:
Blake critiques child labor, exploitation, and the loss of innocence.
Chimney-sweepers, soldiers, and harlots represent different facets of this corruption.
The new-born infants’ tears symbolize the bleak future awaiting them.
Plot
The speaker walks through the streets of London, observing the faces of its inhabitants.
Everywhere, they encounter suffering, fear, and oppression.
Specific groups (chimney-sweepers, churches, soldiers, harlots) exemplify the city’s woes.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the marriage hearse plagued by curses and tears.
Tone
Dark and Critical: The tone is somber, emphasizing the city’s misery and societal decay.
Blake’s use of vivid imagery intensifies the emotional impact.
Style
Symbolism: The repeated use of “charter’d” symbolizes control and restriction.
Metaphor: “Mind-forg’d manacles” represents mental constraints.
Visual Imagery: Blood running down palace walls and harlots cursing evoke powerful mental images.
Message
Blake’s poem serves as a fierce critique of humankind’s failure to build a society based on love, joy, freedom, and communion with God.
It calls attention to the suffering of the marginalized, the corruption of innocence, and the moral decay within urban life.
William Blake
Birth and Background:
Born: November 28, 1757, in London, England.
Parents: James Blake and Catherine Wright Armitage Blake.
His upbringing was modest, and he came from relatively obscure backgrounds.
Artistic Endeavors:
Engraver and Artist: Blake was not only a poet but also an engraver, printmaker, and painter.
Lyric Poems: His exquisite lyric poems include collections like Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794).
Profound Works: He created complex “prophecies,” such as Visions of the Daughters of Albion, The First Book of Urizen, and Jerusalem.
Collaboration with His Wife:
Blake worked closely with his devoted wife, Catherine.
Together, they etched, printed, colored, stitched, and sold his works.
Famous Lyrics:
Some of his best-known lyrics today include:
“The Lamb”
“The Tyger”
“London”
The “Jerusalem” lyric from Milton, which is akin to a second national anthem in Britain.
Legacy and Reception:
In the early 21st century, Blake is regarded as the earliest and most original of the Romantic poets.
However, during his lifetime, he was often neglected or unfairly dismissed as mad.
Themes and Vision:
Blake’s work aimed to bring about change in both social order and individual minds.
His poetry and art challenged conventions and explored profound spiritual and philosophical themes.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | wander | move around aimlessly | घूमना |
| 1 | charter’d | having a formal document granting rights or privileges | राजाज्ञा द्वारा स्थापित/ विशेषाधिकारोंवाला |
| 2 | Thames | a river flowing through London | टेम्स नदी |
| 4 | woe | great sorrow or grief | दुःख |
| 7 | ban | a public announcement or proclamation | घोषणा |
| 8 | mind-forg’d | formed in the mind, not physical | मन का बना हुआ |
| 8 | manacles | chain or handcuffs | हथकड़ी |
| 9 | Chimney-sweepers | people who clean chimneys | चिमनी साफ करने वाले |
| 10 | appalls | threaten/frighten | भयभीत करना |
| 11 | hapless | unfortunate | अभागी/बदकिस्मत |
| 11 | sigh | Heave/breath | साँस/ आह |
| 12 | runs in blood | spreads like blood (here, suggests violence) | खून की तरह बहना |
| 14 | Harlots | prostitutes | वेश्या |
| 14 | curse | an expression of anger or hatred wishing misfortune on someone | श्राप |
| 16 | blights | damages or destroys | नष्ट करना |
| 16 | plagues | calamity/adversity | विपत्तियों |
| 16 | Marriage hearse | a horse-drawn carriage used for funerals | विवाह शवयात्रा / विवाह अर्थी |
