Discuss the symbols used in the poem 'London' to describe the good-effects and the ill-effects of industrial revolution.
Answers
In the poem London by William Blake there are multiple times when the poet indicates the use of symbols to describe the good and bad effects of industrialization.
Negative
Example, every face i meet marks or weakness and woe. ( Woe means great sorrow and distress)
Example, cry of every man, cry of infants fear( this indicates the negative aspect, as to how people are scared)
Example, How the chimney sweepers cry, Every blackening Church appalls ( this means the cleaners cry, the ones who take care of the byproducts and waste. And that the people of the blackening Church are appalled meaning they are horrified)
In this poem we can see a number of references being made to the industrial revolution, some being direct and others indirect.
The poet talk about every face he sees and they tell him of weakness which is a reference to industrial revolution.
The reference to the blackening of the churches also makes it clear.