Question 1: Briefly describe the social and historical context in which William Blake wrote 'London'. Why do you think Blake was inspired to write this poem?

Answer: William Blake wrote 'London' during the late 18th to early 19th century, a time of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social inequality in England. Blake was critical of the abuses of power, poverty, and suffering he observed in London, which inspired him to critique these issues through his poetry.

Question 2: What are some key social problems depicted in 'London'? How does Blake portray the city?

Answer: Blake depicts social problems such as poverty, child exploitation, and oppression. He portrays London as a place of suffering and corruption, with images of crying children, impoverished people, and corrupt institutions.

Question 3: Identify and explain one phrase from the poem that reflects Blake’s critical view of authority or institutions.

Answer: ‘Every black'ning Church appalls’ – This phrase criticizes the Church for its hypocrisy and failure to address social injustices, symbolized by the ‘black’ening, or corruption and moral blindness.

Question 1: Quote explosion: '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.' Analyze the significance of this excerpt, focusing on the phrase 'mind-forged manacles'.

Answer: The phrase 'mind-forged manacles' symbolizes mental and emotional imprisonment caused by societal oppression. Blake suggests that people's ignorance and acceptance of their suffering are self-imposed limitations, which prevent social change.

Question 2: Identify and analyze the metaphor in the line: 'Runs in blood down Palace walls.' What does this imply about power and authority?

Answer: The metaphor suggests violence and bloodshed associated with those in power, implying that authority is maintained through brutality. It criticizes the monarchy and ruling classes for causing suffering.

Question 3: How does Blake use imagery to depict the suffering of the poor? Provide a specific example from the poem.

Answer: Blake uses vivid imagery such as 'marks of weakness, marks of woe' to depict the physical and emotional suffering of the impoverished, emphasizing their despair and hardship.

Question 1: Discuss how the theme of power and corruption is presented in 'London'. What message do you think Blake is conveying?

Answer: Blake presents power and corruption as destructive forces that oppress the vulnerable. Through vivid imagery and tone, he criticizes the ruling classes and institutions for perpetuating suffering, conveying a message of social injustice.

Question 2: How does the theme of loss or despair appear in the poem? What is Blake suggesting about the future of London?

Answer: Themes of despair are evident in the imagery of suffering and moral decay. Blake suggests that unless change occurs, London will remain trapped in misery and injustice, highlighting the need for social reform.

Question 1: Identify one key quote from 'London' and one from 'Ozymandias' that illustrate the theme of the impermanence of power. How do these quotes reflect each poet’s perspective?

Answer: From 'London': 'And blights with plagues the marriage hearse'; from 'Ozymandias': 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' Both quotes depict the fleeting nature of human achievements and power, with Blake emphasizing social decay and Shelley illustrating the inevitable decline of even the greatest rulers.

Question 2: How might the poets’ differing historical contexts influence their depiction of authority and decay?

Answer: Blake's context of industrialization and social injustice leads him to criticize corrupt institutions, while Shelley's Romantic perspective reflects on the hubris of rulers and the impermanence of their power. Both highlight decay but from different angles.

Question 1: Create a brief essay plan that includes an introduction, three main points supported by quotations, and a conclusion. Focus on Blake’s use of imagery, tone, and structure.

Answer: Introduction: Blake’s critique of London’s social injustice. Main Point 1: Use of vivid imagery ('marks of weakness, marks of woe') to depict suffering. Main Point 2: Tone of despair and anger through repetitive structure ('In every...'). Main Point 3: Structural choices emphasizing the cyclical nature of suffering. Conclusion: Blake’s powerful message advocating social change.