What's this?

The links on the right are part of an ongoing mission to explore and understand how Hypermedia changes the way we think and learn.

bar

Directions | Shakespeare | Why

London, England 1794 AD 1757-1827 AD blackning Church: black from outward coal soot and inward corruption Originally "German forged links", reflects popular resentment at the presence of German mercenaries in the city Mark: notice, see Marks: signs 'Harlot's curse' is also a euphemism for syphilis Charter'd street: Blake linked corruption with commerce in London Soldiers sigh: British soldiers were often close to mutiny because of their poor living conditions most thro': mostly through Compair to Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper" (1789) hapless: unlucky Blake blames the king--George III cry: people "crying their wares" shouts This poem is from _Songs of Experience_ appalls: distasteful, ‘shocking’ ban: a cursed expression of anger blights: to destroy the brightness, beauty, or promise of charter'd Thames: Privileged; licensed. Runs in blood: There are records of revolutionary slogans being daubed on palace walls, such as 'No King!' in 1792 because of their war with the French. Blasts: curses Syphilis being a fatal disease, this turns marriage into a carriage for disease and then death. woe: sadness In every: repetition is used to create a feeling of power and oppression

Listen to "London" read by Stephen Glaister [7068kb]

Multimedia Player, or a similar music player, is required to hear this file.