Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why do you think the speaker never actually says the word "London" in the poem itself? Could this poem be about other cities?
- How one-sided is the speaker's perspective of London? Why doesn't he say anything positive, or point out any of the beauties of London?
- What do you make of the phrase "marriage hearse"? Why might be marriage be associated with death in "London"?
- Why are there so many children in this poem (chimney sweeper, infants, etc.)? What do they symbolize, and why do you think so?
- Blake illustrated much of his work. Take a look at "London." How do the pictures enhance or complicate the poem's themes?
People who Shmooped this also Shmooped...