London
Summary
London
A poem from the Romantic period that explores the effects of industrialisation, social injustice, poverty and responsibility. It portrays London in 1794 through the eyes of the speaker, who walks the streets and describes the sight: crying chimney-sweepers, governmental oppression and the restriction of freedom.
The poem, which is in the public domain, is useful for discussions on social criticism in the Romantic period and the effects of the French Revolution on Britain. Thus, the text is suitable for an interdisciplinary teaching project with History or Politics.
Critical edition
Blake, William. “London.” Songs of Innocence and of Experience, by William Blake, Oxford University Press, 1970.
ISBN 9780192810892