Objectives: 

To create a concrete interpretation through close reading on the selected poem.

To create a poem that mimics the same strategy used by the poet.

SWBAT identify poetic devices existing in the poem

SWBAT construct interpretation based on those devices and other form of language used

William Blake

Brief Background

William Blake was a poet and painter in 18th and 19th century London. Much of his work was labeled as prophetic due to the immense influence it gained only after his lifetime. His radical opinions against politics and the church were quite visible in his works, thus making his poem, “London,” one of the popular pieces of deviant and romantic British literature.

Here is a reading of Blake’s “London” by British actor, Idris Elba.

Questions:

1. How does the form and structure of the poem reflect the content?
2. What purpose does the repetition serve in stanza two?
3. According to the speaker, what state is London in and what institutions are being blamed for this?

(Writing Exercise) Write a poem that includes the following:

1. A meter and/or rhyme scheme that resembles (either metaphorically, visually, or both) the topic you are writing about
2. At least one example of repetition