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Compare how poets present ideas about power and control in 'London' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Compare how poets present ideas about power and control in 'London' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Compare how poets present ideas about power and control in 'London' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how power is depicted in 'London' and 'Exposure'
Answer
In William Blake's 'London,' power is represented through the oppressive structures of society. The poem’s imagery paints a grim picture of urban life, where institutions such as the church and the monarchy are seen as contributing to the suffering of the innocent. Phrases like 'chartered Thames' evoke a sense of control over natural resources, suggesting that power diminishes the genuine human experience.
In contrast, in Owen's 'Exposure,' the power of nature is highlighted. The soldiers are subjected to the elements, which possess an uncontrollable force that ultimately leads to their suffering. The repeated refrain of 'But nothing happens' illustrates the futility of human action against the natural world, emphasizing the theme of powerlessness.
Both poems, therefore, explore the effects of power—'London' focuses on societal control, while 'Exposure' reveals the overpowering force of nature.
Step 2
Discuss the use of language to express control in 'London' and 'Exposure'
Answer
Blake employs strong language in 'London,' utilizing violent imagery to highlight the negative effects of power. Words like 'cry' and 'scream' convey anguish, placing emphasis on the emotional toll of societal oppression. The vivid descriptions of the 'infant' and 'chimney-sweeper' evoke sympathy, making the reader acutely aware of the control exerted over the vulnerable.
On the other hand, Owen's choice of language in 'Exposure,' such as 'merciless iced east winds,' portrays nature's harshness rather than human control. The harsh sensory imagery creates a profound impact, demonstrating how the soldiers are besieged by an indifferent force. The structural choices, such as repetition, reinforce the theme of entrapment within the powerful elements of nature.
Step 3
Evaluate the impact of societal control in both poems
Answer
The impact of societal control in 'London' is evident through its portrayal of citizens as victims of a rigid societal structure. Blake’s reference to the 'black' and 'white' imagery symbolizes the moral decay resulting from corrupt powers. This criticism of societal norms invokes a sense of urgency for change.
Conversely, the exploration of power in 'Exposure' reflects the psychological impact of war rather than societal control. Through the depiction of suffering, Owen conveys a sense of shared trauma among soldiers, emphasizing a collective helplessness against broader forces, including both nature and war. This evokes a profound empathy in the reader toward the experience of those affected by war.