What are the "mind-forged manacles" in William Blake's "London"?

Question

From "London", a short poem in William Blake's *Songs of Experience* collection ([free to read online](http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1934/1934-h/1934-h.htm)): > In every cry of every man, In every infant’s cry of fear, In every voice, in every ban, The mind-forged manacles I hear: **What are the "mind-forged manacles"?** I think understanding this should be the key to appreciating the whole poem. The first verse is mostly scene-setting, and the last two are about specific examples of misery in London. The phrase "mind-forged manacles" seems to be the core of this poem. How are the metaphorical manacles forged by minds - and by whose minds? The people's themselves, or their oppressors'?

Answer 1

Let's break it down. The literal definition of a manacle is a metal band, chain, or shackle for fastening someone's hands or ankles. It was used to restrain prisoners. The poetic phrase "the mind-forged manacles.." is referring to the restraints that we put on what can do, or limitations that we set on ourselves in terms of dreams and goals. And that we do so based on our mindsets, opinions or fears. We impose these things in our own minds.