London

Created by: fcairns
Created on: 16-09-18 17:46

How does Blake present power in London?

1) Power is oppressive 2)Power is often undeserved and selfish

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How does form present power as oppressive?

The unbroken ABAB rhyme scheme and regular rhythm which matches the sound of trudging feet reflect the repetitive, miserable lives of the people.

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How does structure present power as oppressive?

Stanzas 1-2 focus on the people he sees, stanza 3 focuses on the institutions he holds responsible, stanza 4 goes back to focus on the people. This has a cyclical structure which shows the relentless, inescapable labour of the people.

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Quotation for power as oppressive

I wander through each chartered street, near where the chartered Thames does flow

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Quotation for power as oppressive

In every voice, in every ban, the mind-forged manacles I hear.

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How does form present power as selfish?

The dramatic monologue highlights how there are no other voices in the poem, reflecting how no one is given a voice as the only 'voice' in people's lives is the voice of law.

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Quotation for power as selfish

How the chimney-sweeper's cry every blackening church appals, and the hapless soldier's sigh runs in blood down palace walls.

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(context) French Revolution, songs of experience

French Revolution- ordinary people suffer while those in the 'palace' are protected. The poem is also a part of a volume called songs of experience which show the true, hopeless reality of life and politics

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Best poems to compare to:

Checkin' out me history- John Agard & My Last Dutchess- Browning

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does form present power as oppressive?

Back

The unbroken ABAB rhyme scheme and regular rhythm which matches the sound of trudging feet reflect the repetitive, miserable lives of the people.

Card 3

Front

How does structure present power as oppressive?

Back

Card 4

Front

Quotation for power as oppressive

Back

Card 5

Front

Quotation for power as oppressive

Back

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London