Here's a breakdown of the key elements contributing to this theme:
* The "Marks of weakness, marks of woe": The poem opens with a description of the city's inhabitants burdened by poverty and suffering. The "marks" are visible signs of their hardship.
* The "Chimney-sweeper's cry": This represents child labor, a harsh reality for many in London at the time. The child's cry is a symbol of the voiceless and exploited.
* The "Harlot's curse": This line refers to the plight of women forced into prostitution due to poverty and lack of opportunity. It underscores the systemic issues driving desperation.
* The "Mind-forg'd manacles": This powerful image signifies the mental and spiritual oppression caused by the social structures of the time. The "manacles" are not physical chains, but rather the limitations imposed by poverty, inequality, and the prevailing social order.
* The "Palace of Industry": This refers to the wealth and opulence of the wealthy elite, juxtaposed against the poverty and misery of the working class. It highlights the stark social divide and the exploitation of the poor by the powerful.
* "Every black'ning church appalls": Blake critiques the hypocrisy of the church, which fails to address the suffering and injustice in society.
Ultimately, "London" is a powerful indictment of the social conditions of Blake's time. The poem's somber tone and vivid imagery evoke a sense of despair and hopelessness, while also offering a glimmer of hope for a more just and compassionate society.