Question 1: Briefly describe the historical context of William Blake's 'London'. Why do you think Blake wrote this poem?

Answer: Blake wrote during the Industrial Revolution, criticizing societal inequality and urban suffering in London.

Question 2: Identify two key themes in 'London'.

Answer: Themes include social injustice and the loss of innocence.

Question 1: Quote: 'Every black'ning church appalls.' Analyze the imagery and metaphor in this line. What effect does Blake aim to create?

Answer: The 'black'ning church uses visual imagery and metaphor to symbolize corruption and moral decay in society, evoking feelings of disappointment and criticism.

Question 2: Select a line that uses personification. Explain how it enhances the poem's message.

Answer: Line: 'Runs in blood down Palace walls.' Personification of blood emphasizes violence and suffering associated with authority and power.

Question 3: Identify and analyze two metaphors used in the poem. How do they contribute to Blake's critique?

Answer: Metaphors such as 'mind-forged manacles' symbolize psychological oppression, and 'chartered streets' suggest lack of freedom, both reinforcing themes of societal control.

Question 4: How does Blake use imagery to depict the suffering of London’s people?

Answer: He describes 'marks of weakness, marks of woe,' creating visual images of physical and emotional pain.

Question 1: Discuss how Blake presents the theme of power and its effects on individuals in 'London'.

Answer: Blake depicts power as corrupt and oppressive, with imagery of 'black'ning churches' and 'chartered streets' to show societal control leading to suffering.

Question 2: Compare the portrayal of decay or loss in 'London' with that in 'Ozymandias'. How do both poets use imagery to convey their messages?

Answer: Both use imagery of decay—'London's' grim urban decay and 'Ozymandias' ruins—to critique the impermanence of power, emphasizing the futility of human achievements.

Question 1: Using the quotes and analysis from above, outline the key points for an analytical paragraph on Blake's depiction of societal suffering.

Answer: Blake employs vivid imagery and metaphors such as 'black'ning church' and 'mind-forged manacles' to symbolize moral decay and psychological oppression, illustrating how societal structures and institutions contribute to suffering and loss of innocence.