Imagery And Corruption In William Blake's London

In the poem “London,” William Blake uses imagery to elucidate political and religious corruption, condemning both church and state while accentuating the utter hopelessness and despair of the city’s prevailing social condition. This poem was written during the Industrial Revolution, when the changing times were leaving the poor behind to suffer. There was also great tension due to fighting with France that resulted from the French Revolutionary Wars. The overall experience provided by the speaker is that of a man “wander[ing]” the streets of London, observing and commenting on the poor conditions (1). However, the deeper feeling behind this seemingly aimless “wander[ing]” is a permeating ambiance of despondency and desperation. The image of “every face” (1) being marked with “weakness” and “woe” depicts a society that as a whole has given up on life. Blake uses these tired and worn out faces to illustrate the overall mood of the entire city. There is no joy here. The reason for this anguish is found in two places: the “Church” (10) and the “Palace” (12). “Chimney-sweepers,” children, “cry” along with the rest of the population as they are forced to work cleaning out the dust and dirt of the Church- the institution …show more content…
Marriage is usually a word that holds many positive connotations, one of which is children that come from this union. However, as has previously been demonstrated, there is no hope for youth in this world- they work, they die, they are cursed. “Marriage” and the happy hope of the future are dead, and they are been taken away in their “herse.” Through these grim and appalling images, Blake portrays the suffering and hopelessness of the people while commenting on the corrupt nature of the institutions that should be providing aid and care to the despondent citizens, but have turned away to serve selfish