city dwellers have created themand the same city dwellers wear them
William Blake uses the phrase "mind-forg'd manacles" in his poem "London" to describe the mental constraints and oppressive social conditions that restrict individuals in society. These manacles symbolize the psychological and emotional imprisonment created by the rigid social hierarchies and oppressive structures within London at the time. Blake suggests that people are trapped in a cycle of mental bondage that prevents them from experiencing true freedom and self-expression.
Manacles are handcuffs such as the police use nowadays to restrain suspects. Blake is referring not to manacles made of steel but created by the mind. That is, for one can be retrained, for example, by fear or shyness etc., and that can restrain you just as effectively as fetters, handcuffs, or manacles.
"The mind-forg'd manacles I hear"
In the poem "London" by William Blake, the phrase "mind-forged manacles" symbolizes mental chains or constraints that restrict or oppress individuals' thoughts and emotions. It suggests that people in society are trapped by their own narrow perspectives and lack of freedom to think and express themselves freely.
In the following passage from William Blake's "London," which line refers to self-imposed limitations or restrictions? In every cry of every man, In every Infant's cry of fear, In every voice, in every ban, The mind-forg'd manacles I hear. "The mind-forg'd manacles I hear"
The line that refers to self-imposed limitations or restrictions in William Blake's "London" is, "And the hapless Soldier's sigh / Runs in blood down Palace walls," suggesting that individuals are trapped in their circumstances and unable to escape the oppressive power structures.
The poetic device evident in this passage is repetition. The repetition of "every cry," "every man," and "every voice" emphasizes the pervasive sense of oppression and suffering experienced by various members of society in Blake's London. This repetition creates a powerful and haunting effect, highlighting the poet's critique of social injustice.
The passage from William Blake's "London" employs imagery and metaphor as its primary poetic devices. The phrase "mind-forg'd manacles" serves as a metaphor for the psychological constraints imposed by society, suggesting that the limitations people experience are self-created or socially constructed. Additionally, the vivid imagery in "every Infant's cry of fear" evokes a strong emotional response, highlighting the pervasive suffering and oppression in the city.
William Lawrence - London MP - was born in 1818.
William Lawrence - London MP - died in 1897.
William Crawford - London MP - was born in 1780.
William Crawford - London MP - died in 1843.