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London (Meaning (concept of 'nobale savage' (the idea that humans…
London
Structure
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Irony
If Blake is so outraged by the restrictions in society, why does he tightly restrict the structure of the poem.
First person narrator
This gives the images and the sounds a more direct impact as we feel a sense of sympathy for the narrator.
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Regular rhythm- reflect laws and control of London's people. Rhythm reflects normal speech which suggest that horrors are normal. and that the constant fight for survival is common to every man.
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Meaning
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people who live and govern in London has lost their way and no longer value the gift of living and spiritual enlightenment.
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Imagery
'menacles'- trapped and contained by the limitations they place on themselves. Desire for material possessions.
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Chimney sweep
represented all that was deplorable, unacceptable and shocking for blake. The life of a chimeny sweep was difficult and often fatal. Most climbing boys were under 7
Highlights corruption of innocence and how the pursuit of progress created an awful job for children.
Blackening church
church is physically covered in smoke and smog of industrial age. This suggest that religion itself is being tainted or polluted by city life.
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Pun and ambiguity helps Blake to explore the spiritual and mental desolation of the people in London
'hapless soldier'
Points to the French revolution - as he explores the consequences of the continuation of restricting and containing people of depraved and corrupt city
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Child prostitute
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'curse of harlot' continues misery through the birth of her children. As they only experience pain and anguish. and propagate the cycle of misery
'plague' refers to STDs which are passed onto married men who married for convenience. Shows the real destructive power of the harlot as these diseases were debilidating.
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Language Techniques
repetition- 'every' suggests how all encompassing it is the pain and anguish for people. and how palpable it is for the narrator. Suggests the city is desperate and desolate.
Alliteration- 'meet', marks'- It's a sound that can't be read quickly. Allowing the author to dictate the pace of the poem. Hence, the slow and rhythmic pondering of the poem allows readers to appreaciate the shocking impact
Sibilance- adds to feelings of horror as the astoricities whispered adds to the sinister feelings. Emphasises on fear and hopelessness.
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Context
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Taken from the Songs of Innocence and the Songs of Experience which aims to show the contrary states of the human soul.
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