The Effects of Industrialization in William Blakes...

The Effects of Industrialization in William Blakes London London by William Blake is one example of Blakes disapproval of changes that occurred in his lifetime. In his poem London, from his work Songs of Experience, Blake describes the woes of the Industrial Revolution and the breaking of the common mans ties to the land, which he has brought upon himself. He describes the Thames River and the city streets as chartered, or controlled by commercial interests; he refers to mind-forged manacles; he relates that every mans face contains Marks of weakness, marks of woe; and he discusses the every cry of every Man and every Infants cry of fear. He connects marriage and death by referring to a marriage hearse and†¦show more content†¦Charter can refer to a grant or guarantee of rights, franchises, or privileges from the sovereign power of a state or country; it can also mean a lease or contract. The word charter can also allude to a travel arrangement in which transportation, frequently a ship or boat is hired by and for a specific gr oup of people. The narrator is wandering aimlessly through the city, which in his mind has changed into a world that is controlled by the interests of business and industry, and all around him he sees the negative effects the industrial revolution has had on society. ?Marks of weakness, marks of woe,? illustrates how numerous people have suffered a great deal of hardship and have become disillusioned with the once thought improvements that would come about from the industrial revolution, and have had their hopes and dreams shattered. The city itself is lifeless, there is little or no activity or enjoyment in life; and has become a dreary place to live in. The word chartered also refers to the restriction of authority and recognition of individual liberties, but also means the acceptance of monopolies, which in effect takes away the rights of others. As the streets are owned by business and are no longer public properties for all, and ownership by the business monopolies has led to poverty for the rest of the population. In the second stanza, he describes the common populations? discontent with life and society in general. The word ?ban? means toShow MoreRelated William Blakes London and William Wordsworths London, 18022496 Words   |  10 PagesWilliam Blakes London and William Wordsworths London, 1802 The figure of the poet as it pertains to William Blake and William Wordsworth is different according to the perception of most analysts. Blake addresses a universal audience in a prophetic voice, taking the role of the poet upon himself often using a mystical tone. 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