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
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.
Explanation: The poet sees people’s faces as he walks through the streets of London. Every face looks tired, sad, and full of pain. People are unhappy and weak.
In every cry of every Man,
In every Infants cry of fear,
In every voice: in every ban,
The mind-forg’d manacles I hear
Explanation: The poet hears people crying everywhere. Grown men are crying, and even babies cry in fear. He hears sadness in all voices and all rules or restrictions. He feels that people are not free. They are trapped by invisible chains, created by their own minds and by society.
How the Chimney-sweepers cry…
And the hapless Soldiers sigh
Runs in blood down Palace walls
Explanation: The poet hears the cries of little boys who clean chimneys. The poet also hears the sad sighs of soldiers who suffer and die. Their blood is like a stain on the walls of the palace. It means the leaders (who live in the palace) are responsible for the soldiers’ pain.
But most thro’ midnight streets I hear
How the youthful Harlots curse…
And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse
Explanation: At night, the poet hears young prostitutes shouting and cursing. The poet also says that prostitution brings disease, which ruins marriage. Husbands go to prostitutes and then spread disease to their wives. This makes marriage like a hearse—a vehicle for dead bodies.