London by William Blake | Structure, Summary, Analysis

London is one of the most famous Illustrated Poems by William Blake that was included in his poetry collection Songs of Experience, published in 1794. His two most famous collections, Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794) have poems that are counterparts of each other. However, London is a unique poem expressing the disappointment of William Blake in the socio-political situation of London during that period. London is a political poem. Previously, Samuel Johnson wrote a long poem with the same title London in 1738. In that poem, Samual Johnson also described the various problems of London, including an emphasis on crime, corruption, and the squalor of the poor.
Blake’s poem is rather short with just 16 lines arranged in four quatrains. Yet, the poem illuminates the problems of London stressing the themes of the effects of Industrialization, Moral Corruption, Poverty, Exploitation of masses, and Universal suffering.
Blake analyzes the troubles faced by the common citizens of London streets. Surrounded by dejected Londoners, he saw evidence that the British government had too much power and little interest in helping those they were supposed to serve. He didn’t mince his words and vehemently blamed the government. Blake offers a damningly hellish image of the streets of London in this poem.
So this is it for today. We will continue to discuss the history of English literature as we strive to offer a complete course for the preparation of UGC NET English literature, NTA NET English literature, PGTRB English,, SET English literature, TGT PGT English, GATE English Literature, and other exams, please stay connected with the Discourse, Thanks, and Regards!

[@sawansirenglish7516]

Very nice teaching ❤

[@RozinaAktar-op5xz]

Excellent explanation.

[@user-xj9zt7sj6j]

Sir could you please provide guidance on "The king of the dark chamber by Rabindranath Tagore"

[@TheDiscourse]

Sure