5 Hidden Messages In Blakes London You Never Noticed

William Blake's London is not just a simple 1794 poem that gives an impression of the street life during that time; it is a profound critique of society, governance, and the state of human souls. While its explicit themes are well known, what often goes unnoticed are the more subtle hidden messages laced between the lines. Here, we delve into five lesser-known layers of meaning in Blake's work that might just change the way you read and understand this famous piece.

The Corruption of Innocence 🧒💔

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The poem's imagery consistently depicts a loss of innocence, which is not just about the exploitation of children but a commentary on the pervasive corruption that affects everyone in society:

• The Chimney Sweeper: One of the most poignant images is that of the "Chimney Sweeper" who sweeps not just soot but the filth of society. Their cries are a metaphor for lost innocence and systemic oppression.

• The Hapless Soldier: Blake uses the soldier to symbolize the youth sent to war, their cries echoing the cries of all who suffer under societal and governmental pressure.

• The Newborn's Cry: The cries of the newborn in "every voice" symbolize the corruption present from birth, suggesting that the degradation of innocence is all-encompassing, affecting even the youngest.

<p class="pro-note">🧚 Note: Blake's use of repetitive phrases like "In every voice" emphasizes the pervasive nature of corruption.</p>

The River of Sorrow and the Mind-Forged Manacles 🌊🔒

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When Blake talks about the Thames as running "In blackening," and "Charter'd streets," he's not merely describing London's geography:

• Mind-Forged Manacles: This famous phrase implies that the inhabitants of London are shackled not just by external laws but by their own internalized constraints. The river, therefore, represents not just the physical flow of water but the flow of sorrow, misery, and psychological oppression through society.

• Charter'd: The word 'charter'd' signifies the over-regulated, controlled nature of society, where even freedom of movement is symbolic rather than real.

The Church and the Palace of the State ⛪🏰

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In his depiction of institutions, Blake subtly criticizes the established order:

• The Church: In the line "Every blackening Church appals," Blake suggests the church's failure to act as a moral beacon or guardian of the weak. Instead, it has become a symbol of complicity in societal decline.

• The Palace of the State: Blake critiques the state's role by suggesting that the sexual violence heard "near where the Charter'd Thames does flow" is almost sanctioned by the very structures meant to protect.

The Haunting of the Plague 🦠💔

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Though not explicitly mentioned, Blake's descriptions evoke the lingering fear and suffering of the plague:

• Pestilence: The line "Marks of weakness, marks of woe" can be seen as referencing the physical and emotional scars left by epidemics.

• Hearing the Plague: The poem's auditory descriptions of cries and hearing "mind-forged manacles" suggests a society haunted by past traumas, both literal (like the plague) and metaphorical.

The Prophecy of Change 🌿🔮

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While "London" is predominantly bleak, Blake might be hinting at the potential for change and enlightenment:

• Revolution: Blake was known for his revolutionary ideas. The poem, with its depiction of societal ills, might implicitly call for revolution or change, suggesting that the oppressed can break their manacles.

• The Imagination: Blake often speaks of the imagination as a way to break free from constraints. By highlighting the problems, Blake could be encouraging a mental rebellion, a new way of seeing.

In closing, Blake's London is rich with layers of meaning beyond the apparent themes of oppression and despair. From the corruption of innocence to the haunting effects of historical traumas, to the potential for change, Blake subtly weaves a complex tapestry of critique and hope. The poem not only immortalizes the era but also invites readers to reflect deeply on societal structures, personal freedom, and the capacity for change.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the main theme of "London" by William Blake?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The main themes include oppression, the loss of innocence, and critique of societal structures like the church and state.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What does "mind-forged manacles" mean in the context of the poem?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It refers to mental or psychological barriers that people impose on themselves, which bind them as effectively as physical chains.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is Blake's use of "charter'd" significant?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Blake uses 'charter'd' to signify the restrictive and controlling nature of the laws and regulations that govern London, suggesting a lack of freedom even in the act of movement.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Does "London" by Blake contain any elements of hope?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the poem subtly implies a potential for change through the understanding and awakening of the oppressed, indicating that mental rebellion could lead to societal change.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How does Blake critique the Church in "London"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Blake critiques the Church by depicting it as "blackening" or corrupt, failing in its moral duty to provide comfort and protection, especially to the poor and oppressed.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>