Comment on the author’s position and the tone of the poem “London”.
William Blake’s (1757-1827) poem “London” (1794) paints a dark picture of the city. Blake shares his own feelings and thoughts clearly with us. Here’s a closer look at the author’s position and the tone of the poem:
Author’s Position- Subjective: Blake writes about what he sees and feels as he walks through London’s streets. This makes the poem very personal. He is not just telling a story; he is sharing his own reactions to the sadness and problems he notices. His personal view makes his criticism strong and heartfelt.
Tone- Sad: The tone of the poem is very serious and blaming. Blake points out the bad things he sees in society. He talks about the unhappy faces and the troubles around him. His words are strong and direct. He blames the leaders and the society for the pain and suffering of ordinary people. This blaming tone makes the poem feel heavy and sad.
In “London,” Blake doesn’t just describe a city; he criticizes it. He shows us how he feels about the many problems he sees. His tone helps us feel how serious these issues are. Blake’s poem is a powerful call to notice the suffering and unfairness around him.