Blake was bought up as a son of hosier, and his father moved from the countryside to work in London during the industrial revolution; therefore Blake had direct experience of living in London and hence his view of London is more accurate than Wordsworth’s. Blake’s unsettled childhood is reflected in his complex symbolism which leaves the poem open to interpretation. Blake had a failed business and eked out a living for the majority of his life resulting in him having a pessimistic view of life; this also is reflected in his poetry.
The poem London by Blake is about the corrupt and immoral environment, which existed throughout English cities during the industrial revolution; Blake discusses royalty, sexually transmitted diseases and religious influence on people. Wordsworth however, displays a more positive and naïve attitude when writing about themes such as life, location and beauty. Therefore Wordsworth’s poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge is a song of naïve innocence compared to Blake’s poem “London” which is a song of bitter experience.
Both Poems use their structure to emphasise the content. William Blake's London is written in four, four line stanzas with identical syllable count in every line; this creates a regimented, almost mechanical effect. It uses alternate line rhyming which emphasises the word at the end of each line. In contrast Wordsworth's poem is written in the form of an Italian sonnet, ABBA CDDC EFFE GG this combined with the identical syllable count and iambic pentameter rhythm creates a peaceful affect slowing down the speed of the poem.
Wordsworth uses symbolism through theme’s to convey his views. Wordsworth speaks about the beauty of the world, “The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,” displaying an innocent view of life. This links with another recurring theme used by Wordsworth, life; he uses personification frequently to enhance the atmosphere, to show even though the people are sleeping there is still life in London. Finally Wordsworth uses location to emphasise how impressive London is, “Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie,” this paints a picture of the accomplishments of man achieved during the industrial revolution started.
Blake also uses symbolism through theme’s to convey his more abstract views for example he uses people and buildings to represent institutions. Blake also uses the image of a church to criticise religious establishments, “Even the black’ning church appals,” and a palace to signify the state, “Runs in blood down Palace walls.” Here he is attacking the monarchy and government for condemning young men to death by sending them off to fight in foreign wars. Finally Blake uses the theme of sexually transmitted diseases; he describes the 'youthful harlots curse' blasting the newborn infant. Blake is obviously concerned about the immoral activities of prostitution and their affect of society.
Wordsworth uses alliteration, “A sight so touching” to emphasize the beauty of London through his eyes. He also uses devices such as assonance to make the poem much more peaceful, “Seem asleep.” Wordsworth uses grandiose imagery through similes and metaphors to encourage the reader to empathize with Blake’s view of London, “This City now doth like a garment wear.” He also personifies the sun, river and the city allowing them to perform human functions like wearing clothes. He continues this personification giving the river “a sweet will”, creating an image of peace in society.
In contrast, Blake uses alliteration and assonance to enhance the dreary atmosphere in London, “Marks or weakness, marks of woe” and “charter’d Thames.” Blake also uses many similes and metaphors to express his view of London, “And the hapless Soldier's sigh, Runs in blood down Palace walls.”
In summary, Blake and Wordsworth were under different influences, Blake tended to write about the affect the environment had on the emotions of people, whereas Wordsworth focused his writing on the physical aspect of London. Wordsworth was heavily influenced by the natural beauty of the physical world and its tranquillity. However Blake was more interested in the sociology of man. The quote that epitomizes Wordsworth’s work is, “Ne’er saw I, never felt a calm so deep.” This is the quintessence of Wordsworth’s work as it expresses his naïve innocence. The quote that epitomizes Blake’s work is, “Marks of weakness, Marks of woe,” this is the quintessence of Blake’s work as he is talking about the emotions of people.
