How Does Blake Criticize Society in the Poem “London”?
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, to various questions of London.
Answer
How does Blake criticize society in the poem “London”?
William Blake’s (1757-1827) poem “London” is a part of his collection “Songs of Experience,” published in 1794. In this poem, Blake criticizes London’s social, political, and economic conditions during the late 18th century. The poem reflects Blake’s dissatisfaction with the state of London and his concern for the well-being of its inhabitants.
Urban Poverty and Suffering: Blake highlights the presence of poverty and suffering among the common people. He mentions the “hapless soldier’s sigh” and the “palace walls” that witness the less privileged’s misery.
How the Chimney-sweepers cry
Every blackning Church appalls,
And the hapless Soldiers sigh
Runs in blood down Palace walls.
Restrictions on Freedom: The repeated reference to “charter’d” suggests a sense of confinement and control. Blake suggests that institutions and authorities have imposed restrictions on the freedom of individuals, leading to a society where people are not truly free.
Corruption and Exploitation: Blake criticizes the corruption and exploitation within his time’s political and economic systems. The “mind-forg’d manacles” refer to the mental and emotional chains that society imposes on individuals.
Society’s Plague: The references to the “chimney-sweeper’s cry” and the “harlot’s curse” highlight the suffering of vulnerable groups, including children and women. The society is indifferent to child labour. Infidelity is plaguing the society.
But most thro’ midnight streets I hear
How the youthful Harlots curse
Blasts the new-born Infants tear
And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse
Loss of Innocence: The mention of the chimney-sweeper and the soldier reflects Blake’s concern about the loss of innocence, both in the exploitation of child labour and the involvement of young men in wars.
In Conclusion, Blake’s “London” is a critique of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, social injustice, and political corruption on the people of London during his time.