Write a summary of the poem “London”.

Write a summary of the poem “London”.

“London” (1794) is a powerful poem written by William Blake (1757-1827). It paints a vivid picture of the city of London in the late 1700s. This poem is part of Blake’s collection called Songs of Experience. Through his words, Blake shows us the sad and dark sides of the city. Here’s a summary focusing on main points:

The Controlled Environment: As the poet wanders through London, he notices that everything seems controlled and restricted. The mention of “charter’d” streets and the “charter’d Thames” suggests that both the natural and human elements of the city are tightly regulated. This control makes the city feel oppressive and denies people their freedom.

Universal Suffering: Everywhere he looks, the poet sees signs of misery and weakness in the faces of the people he meets. He hears cries of fear from men and infants. This highlights the widespread pain and fear experienced by all, regardless of age. The phrase “mind-forg’d manacles” suggests that the people are not only physically but mentally imprisoned by their struggles and the harsh realities of their lives.

Corruption and Decay: The poet criticizes institutions like the Church and the monarchy. He sees Church as corrupt and contributing to the suffering of the people. The cries of chimney sweepers and the sighs of soldiers illustrate how those at the lower end of society bear the brunt of this corruption. The poem ends with the image of young prostitutes cursing. This symbolizes the moral decay and the devastating impact on all aspects of life, including innocent infants and the institution of marriage.

Overall, “London” is a sad view of a city filled with control, pain, and loss. Blake uses simple but strong words to tell us how bad things were. He makes us feel the weight of the city’s problems through his vivid and clear descriptions.