LONDON, William Blake: Summary & Analysis

"LONDON" by William Blake is a powerful poem that serves as a social critique of the conditions and injustices faced by the people of London during the late 18th century. The poem depicts a city plagued by suffering, poverty, and moral degradation, while also criticizing the institutions that perpetuate these issues. LONDON by William Blake I wandered through each chartered street, Near where the chartered Thames does flow, And mark in every face I meet, Marks of weakness, marks of woe. 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: How the chimney-sweeper’s cry Every blackening church appals, And the hapless soldier’s sigh Runs in blood down palace-walls. But most, through midnight streets I hear How the youthful harlot’s curse Blasts the new-born infant’s tear, And blights with plagues the marriage-hearse. Critical Analysis "London" is a poignant critique of the social, political, and moral co…