London : Literary devices
London is a notable literary work by William Blake. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of London.
Literary devices
Symbols
Thames River: Symbolizes the controlled and restricted nature of London.
Black’ning Church: Represents the corruption of the Church of England.
Chimney Sweeper: Symbolizes the plight of child laborers and lost innocence.
Harlot: Represents the suffering and degradation of young women in poverty.
Palace: Critique of the monarchy and aristocracy as responsible for societal suffering.
Cry of Man: Represents the voice of the oppressed and marginalized.
Marriage Hearse: Symbolizes the death of love and happiness in a corrupt society.
Figures of Speech
Metaphor: “I wander through each chartered street” – The streets of London are compared to a chartered or regulated space. It expresses a sense of confinement and control.
Personification: “The mind-forged manacles I hear” – The concept of “mind-forged manacles” is personified. It means that the mental chains of oppression and restriction are created by the human mind.
Repetition: “In every cry of every Man, / In every Infant’s cry of fear” – The repetition of the phrase “In every cry” emphasizes the widespread suffering and despair experienced by people of all ages in London.
Hyperbole: “Runs in blood down Palace walls” – This hyperbolic image means that the corruption and injustice of the city have stained even the walls of the royal palace.
Symbolism: “Chimney-sweeper’s cry” – The cry of the chimney sweepers symbolizes the situation of the oppressed and poor members of society. It highlights the harsh living conditions and exploitation.
Irony: “And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse” – The phrase “Marriage hearse” is ironic, juxtaposing the joyful union of marriage with the gloom and death-like atmosphere of the city. It means that the institution of marriage is suffocated by the social conditions of London.