London by William Blake is a poem that presents a dark and bleak portrayal of the city of London. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, Blake paints a picture of a city plagued by poverty, injustice, and social unrest.
The poem begins with the speaker walking through the streets of London and observing the suffering of the people. He sees "every face" filled with "marks of weakness, marks of woe," and the "youthful harlot" who "curses the new-born infant's tear." These lines convey the widespread suffering and despair present in the city, with even the most vulnerable members of society, such as infants and young women, being subjected to harsh treatment.
As the speaker continues to walk, he encounters a variety of other characters who exemplify the various forms of oppression and injustice present in the city. He sees the "schoolboy" who is "beaten and sent to bed" and the "every cry of every man" that is "cursed with curse." These lines highlight the harsh treatment of the lower classes, particularly the children, and the widespread discontent and anger present among the people.
In the final stanzas of the poem, the speaker turns his attention to the "midnight streets" and the "every cry of every man." Here, the imagery becomes even more disturbing, with the streets being described as "every face" filled with "marks of weakness, marks of woe." The repetition of the phrase "every face" serves to emphasize the widespread nature of the suffering and suggests that no one in the city is spared from its effects.
Overall, London by William Blake is a powerful and poignant critique of the social and economic conditions in the city of London. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Blake presents a bleak and disturbing portrayal of a city plagued by poverty, injustice, and social unrest.