Question 1: Briefly describe the social and historical context in which William Blake wrote 'London'. How might this context influence the themes of the poem?

Answer: William Blake wrote during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time of industrial revolution, social inequality, and urbanization, which influenced his depiction of suffering and corruption in London.

Question 1: What is the significance of the line 'Every black'ning church appalls' in conveying Blake's message?

Answer: It highlights the corrupt and morally failing church, symbolizing institutional hypocrisy and neglect of social issues.

Question 2: Analyze the line 'Runs in blood down Palace walls.' What does this suggest about power and violence?

Answer: It suggests that the ruling class maintains power through violence and bloodshed, emphasizing themes of oppression and brutality.

Question 1: Find and explain the metaphor in the phrase 'Chimney-sweepers cry'. How does this contribute to the poem's themes?

Answer: The cry of chimney-sweepers is a metaphor for innocent suffering caused by industrialization, emphasizing exploitation and social injustice.

Question 2: Identify a simile in the poem and discuss its effect on the reader.

Answer: An example is 'mind-forged manacles', which personify mental oppression, making the reader think about the psychological impact of societal constraints.

Question 1: Discuss how Blake presents the theme of power and control in 'London'.

Answer: Blake depicts power as oppressive, with imagery of walls, guards, and blood symbolizing control and brutality by those in authority.

Question 2: How does Blake portray the effect of urbanization and industrialization on society in the poem?

Answer: He portrays it as corrupting and destructive, leading to suffering, moral decay, and loss of innocence among the people.

Question 1: Analyze the quote: 'Runs in blood down Palace walls.' Focus on the keywords 'blood', 'down', and 'Palace'. What do they suggest?

Answer: The word 'blood' connotes violence and death; 'down' indicates a descent or ongoing suffering; 'Palace' symbolizes power and authority, suggesting that violence is inherent in the ruling class's actions.

Question 2: Examine the line: 'In every cry of every man, / In every infants cry of fear.' How does Blake use repetition and imagery here?

Answer: Repetition emphasizes the universality of suffering. The imagery of crying and fear evokes emotional distress, highlighting societal injustice affecting all ages.

Question 1: Outline key points for comparing the portrayal of power in 'London' and 'Ozymandias'. Consider the writers' intentions and the impact on the reader.

Answer: Both poems critique the corrupting influence of power. Blake shows power as oppressive and destructive, affecting society's vulnerable, while Shelley depicts the fleeting nature of political power through the ruined statue, emphasizing hubris and the impermanence of human achievements.

Question 1: Create an outline for an essay analyzing how Blake presents the effects of social injustice and urban decay in 'London'. Include main points, supporting quotes, and analysis focus.

Answer: Introduction: Context of Blake's social critique. Main body: Use quotes like 'chartered street' and 'blood down Palace walls' to show oppression; analyze language devices like metaphor and imagery. Conclusion: Blake's call for social change and reflection on the reader's response.