London by William Blake is a powerful critique of societal oppression and suffering in 18th century London, employing masterful poetic techniques to expose systemic abuse of power and revolutionary ideals. The poem utilizes an ABAB rhyme scheme to emphasize the cyclical nature of urban suffering.
• The poem's structure reflects the inescapable nature of suffering through its repetitive patterns and iambic tetrameter
• Blake's revolutionary views challenge established power structures, including monarchy and church
• Themes of mental imprisonment and societal control are portrayed through powerful metaphors
• The context of the French Revolution heavily influences the poem's revolutionary undertones
