London : Themes
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.
Themes
The Suffering of City Life: This poem shows how life in the big city of London is full of pain and sadness. The poet walks through the streets and sees that everything—even the river—is controlled by people in power. He sees that people are not free or happy. They suffer because of the rules and ideas made by society. Children work in danger, soldiers die for the rich, and women become prostitutes to survive. The city is full of darkness. The poet says that this city life is not natural. This London takes away people’s joy and freedom.
The Loss of Childhood Innocence: The poem also talks about how the happy and pure life of children is destroyed in the city. The poet sees that children suffer from the moment they are born. Babies cry in fear. Poor girls become prostitutes and curse their newborn babies. Little boys are forced to clean chimneys. These children lose their childhood because they have to work and struggle to survive. Blake believed that children are born innocent and full of joy. But this cruel world takes that joy away. The city turns their childhood into pain, fear, and hard work.