Question 1: Who was William Blake, and what were some key aspects of his life that influenced his poetry?

Answer: William Blake was a poet and artist known for his social criticism and visionary ideas; his experiences with social injustice and the industrial revolution influenced 'London'.

Question 2: When was 'London' written, and what historical events or social conditions might have influenced its themes?

Answer: 'London' was written around 1794 during the Industrial Revolution, a time of social inequality, urban poverty, and political unrest.

Question 1: Read the line: '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.' What does Blake suggest about the nature of social oppression?

Answer: Blake suggests that social oppression is internalized ('mind-forged manacles') and affects everyone, including children, symbolizing widespread suffering caused by societal constraints.

Question 2: Analyze the quote: 'How the chimney-sweeper's cry / Every black'ning church appalls.' What does Blake imply about the relationship between religion and social injustice?

Answer: Blake criticizes the church for its hypocrisy, implying that it is complicit in or indifferent to social suffering, as shown by the 'black' church contrasting with the innocence of the chimney-sweeper.

Question 3: Quote Explosion: 'Runs in blood down Palace walls.' What are the connotations of 'blood' and 'Palace walls', and how do they contribute to the poem's message?

Answer: The word 'blood' connotes violence and suffering, while 'Palace walls' symbolize authority and power. Together, they highlight the connection between political oppression and violence inflicted on the vulnerable.

Question 1: Find and analyze a metaphor in the poem that illustrates social constraints.

Answer: The 'mind-forged manacles' metaphor shows how societal oppression is internalized, limiting freedom and reinforcing control.

Question 2: Identify a simile used in the poem and discuss how it enhances the reader's understanding of the scene.

Answer: An example is 'every black'ning church,' where the 'black'ning' suggests corruption and moral decay, emphasizing the church's failure.

Question 3: Spot a personification in the poem and explain its effect.

Answer: The 'chartered streets' personifies streets as being under control, emphasizing the loss of freedom and the pervasive reach of authority.

Question 1: Discuss how the theme of power is portrayed in the poem. Include specific examples.

Answer: Power is depicted as oppressive and corrupt, exemplified by the 'chartered Thames' and 'darkling street,' showing societal control and the suffering it causes.

Question 2: What does Blake suggest about the impact of industrialization on human life and society?

Answer: Blake suggests that industrialization leads to social suffering, moral decay, and loss of innocence, as seen in the imagery of blood and blackened churches.

Question 1: Outline key points for comparing the portrayal of power in 'London' and 'Ozymandias'.

Answer: Both poems depict the corrupting influence of power: 'London' shows societal oppression caused by human institutions, while 'Ozymandias' highlights the impermanence of political power through the ruined statue, emphasizing hubris and decay.

Question 1: Draft an outline for an analytical paragraph discussing Blake's use of imagery and language devices to critique social injustice.

Answer: Introduction to Blake's social critique; analysis of key imagery like 'blood' and 'black'ning'; discussion of metaphors like 'mind-forged manacles'; conclusion on how these devices evoke empathy and awareness.