Conflict in London by William Blake

Revising for english lit paper 2 - anyone got any high level ideas for how conflict is presented in London? Thanks

London is presented as a city that is poisoned by pain, pollution and despair. The first person narrative voice is an observer, unable or unwilling to help.

'Charter'd' has connotations of ownership: this city is controlled by cruel masters. 'Marks' implies pain and brutality. The repetition of 'In every....' confirms that nobody has escaped the ravages of this hellish place. The metaphor of 'mind forged manacles' emphasises that these people are trapped by their own sickness and depression.

The 'black'ning' literally reflects the rampant and soulless industrialisation of London at this time. The 'black'ning' metaphorically reflects the corruption and vice displayed by the Church at this time. The metaphorical 'blood on the palace walls' reflects the hopelessness and broken spirit of the military.

The 'youthful Harlot's curse' suggests that young women have been driven to prostitution and are utterly miserable. 'Blasted' develops the idea that new born babies are uncared for and have no future. The metaphor of the 'Marriage hearse' being blighted by 'plague' suggests even the newly married are doomed to a life of pain and misery. It's an oxymoron and it reflects the triumph of death over joy.

This poem is ironic because London was supposed to be a great city; instead, it's full of 'weakness' and 'woe'. The power and control is nowhere. The narrative voice can't or won't change anything and the people certainly can't do anything. The iambic tetrameter and rhymed ABAB structure suggests a relentless, unchanging misery.

This poem leaves us with a sense of deep and abiding sorrow. Blake seems to have hated the London that he knew; he is very critical of the society that has created it.