Examine the poem, London, as a poem of protest? (MEG 102) (Songs of Experience: Study of Some Poems),

London is a poem by William Blake that is often considered a protest against the social and economic conditions of late 18th century London. The poem paints a bleak picture of the city, with images of poverty, exploitation, and despair. It is a commentary on the social problems of the time, particularly the plight of the working class, and a critique of the political and economic systems that allowed such conditions to persist.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone, with the speaker describing the "chartered" streets of London, "where the chartered Thames does flow." The word "chartered" is significant here, as it suggests that even the river is controlled by the powers that be. The speaker goes on to describe the "mark" of weakness, woe, and "every face" being "marks of weakness, marks of woe." This line emphasizes the idea that the people of London are suffering, and that their suffering is visible on their faces.

In the second stanza, the speaker goes on to describe the "youthful harlot" and the "newborn infant" who are both forced to bear the burden of poverty and misery. The harlot is a victim of sexual exploitation, while the infant is born into a world that offers little hope for the future. The "black'ning church" is also mentioned, suggesting that even the church has been corrupted by the social and economic conditions of the time.

The third stanza continues in a similar vein, with the speaker describing the "soldier's sigh" and the "hapless soldier's curse." This line is significant because it suggests that even those who are supposed to be defending the country are suffering as a result of the social and economic conditions of the time. The final line of the stanza, "Runs in blood down Palace walls," suggests that even the monarchy is tainted by the bloodshed and suffering of the people.

In the final stanza, the speaker concludes with the line "And the hapless soldier's sigh/Runs in blood down Palace walls." This line reinforces the idea that the social and economic conditions of the time are corrupting even the highest levels of society, and that the suffering of the people is being ignored. Overall, the poem can be seen as a powerful protest against the social and economic conditions of late 18th century London, and a call for change.