London : Quotations
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.
Quotations
I wander through each chartered street,
Near where the chartered Thames does flow,
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.
Exp: In these lines, the poet reflects on the visible signs of suffering and misery in the city’s streets. It highlights the social and economic hardships faced by its residents.
In every cry of every man,
In every infant’s cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban,
The mind-forged manacles I hear.
Exp: These lines depict mental oppression by society, causing suffering. It criticizes oppressive conditions and calls for change.
How the chimney-sweeper’s cry
Every blackening church appalls;
And the hapless soldier’s sigh
Runs in blood down palace-walls.
Exp: In these lines, William Blake expresses how the suffering of chimney sweepers and soldiers contrasts with the luxury of the church and palace walls. It expresses the societal injustices of the time.
But most, through midnight streets I hear
How the youthful harlot’s curse
Blasts the newborn infant’s tear,
And blights with plagues the marriage-hearse.
Exp: These lines reflect that in the city, bad things happen, like young prostitutes causing trouble for newborn babies and marriages. It shows how the city is troubled and not a good place to live.