This study notes covers Anchor Quote: the "black'ning Church" within London (Blake) for GCSE English Literature. Revise London (Blake) in Power and Conflict Poetry for GCSE English Literature with 10 exam-style questions and 16 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 5 of 15 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🗣️ Anchor Quote: the "black'ning Church"
How the Chimney-sweeper's cry / Every black'ning Church appalls
Why this quote matters: Blake makes the Church morally "black'ning" — stained by its failure to protect exploited child sweeps. The verb "appalls" puns on a funeral "pall" (a black cloth), so Blake links the Church to death and shame rather than salvation. He attacks an institution that should offer charity but instead turns away.
Use this quote when answering: Blake's attack on institutions; the suffering of children; hypocrisy of those in power; comparison with poems exposing the powerful (Ozymandias, My Last Duchess).
Practice questions for London (Blake)
In Blake's poem 'London', what does the word 'chartered' most closely mean?
Identify ONE structural or formal feature Blake uses in 'London' and explain how it contributes to the poem's meaning. (2 marks)