Yes, the speaker in the poem "London" by William Blake is being negative about the conditions and atmosphere of London during the Industrial Revolution. The speaker uses vivid and depressing imagery to describe the poverty, oppression, and pollution that pervaded the city during that time.
In the poem "London" by William Blake, the speaker expresses negative views about the city of London. The speaker focuses on the effects of poverty, corruption, and social injustice, portraying a grim picture of the city. This can be seen through phrases such as "chartered" (meaning controlled or limited), "mind-forged manacles" (symbolizing mental imprisonment), and "blackening church" (indicating religious hypocrisy). The negative tone and critical observations make it clear that the speaker has a negative perspective on the city of London.
