William Blake and His Poem “London”

This paper gives a detailed introduction to William Blake, a versatile poet, dramatist, artist, engraver, and publisher; and the most original romantic poet as well as painter and printmaker of the 18th century. Then his works are also introduced according to time order among which two of his collections of poems, i.e. "the songs of innocence" and "the songs of experiences" are given special attention. The features and comments on his works are introduced and demonstrated in his most famous poem "London", from "the songs of experiences". The paper analyzes the various technical features in this poem respectively--key image and three encounters around which the whole poem is centered; symbolism and capitalization which are used a lot in it; the choice and repetition of words which enhance the theme of the poem; and the rhyme and rhythm which give the poem a musical pattern. And then a conclusion is made that through these features, William Blake did achieve an overall impact which convey the horror and injustice that was London. Index Terms--William Blake, London, technical features, image, capitalization, repetition, rhyme and rhythm