Blake’s poem “The Chimney Sweeper” is considered to be one of his finest, yet contradictory works of his life, as he provides a negative social perspective on the topic of child labour. Assisted through the use of various poetic techniques such as anecdotes, biblical illusion, symbolism, euphemism, metaphors, and rhyme, Blake was able to assertively convey his protest towards the laws against the use of young children in the British workforce. The theme of child innocence is also the other main explored
widening gap firsthand. Commenting on the inhumane labor practices common to the poor in 19th century England, he wrote 2 versions of a poem called "The Chimney Sweeper" in different collections- Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794). With these poems, Blake comments on the practice of using small children as chimney sweepers, drawing attention to the inhumanity and immorality of the practice and the way it's overlooked. In the Songs of Innocence version, Blake writes a narrative
In Songs of Innocence and of Experience, the two poems “The Chimney Sweeper” highlight the injustice during Blake’s time such as: poverty, child labour, and abuse. “The Chimney Sweeper” illustrates William Blake's understanding of 'innocence' and 'experience' by exposing the hypocritical nature of authority during the 1700s. This essay will begin with explaining Blake’s concept of ‘innocence’ and ‘experience’. Firstly, William Blake perceives ‘innocence’ and ‘experience’ as contrasting states of
Have you ever heard about chimney sweepers? Well if you haven't chimney sweepers are little kids between the age of 4 and 7 who are forced to climb up inside chimneys and clean residue off from walls. These little children suffered from serious injuries physically, internally and mentally. This torture started to build a deadly cancer because of all the toxins they would intake and to force children to clean faster they would start a fire at the bottom. In some cases these children would have serious
past and the present. An analysis of “The Chimney Sweeper,” one of Blake’s most popular works, can help many to understand the significance of his work in a time period when social riot was visible in the public’s eyes. By exploring the writing style, structure and imagery in this poem, as well as identifying the importance of symbolism, a conclusion can be made concerning the purpose of this poem. Learning more about
Blake wanted to show that there are two sides to every situation by writing companion pieces for most of his works. “The Chimney Sweeper”, for example, has the same title in Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, as well as “Holy Thursday” that appears in both. “The Lamb” and “The Tyger” are also paired poems contrasting the concept of good and evil that Blake focused on through
“The Chimney Sweeper” Songs of Innocence & Experience analysis with, William Blake In 1794 William Blake’s work was known and published as a collection of poems that were put together as one book called Songs of innocence & Songs of Experience. In the collection Blake titles a poem, “The Chimney Sweeper”, and this one is viewed in two ways: Innocence and experience. In the book of innocence Blake shows how poor innocent children are being abused and mistreated during this time era. In Songs
the poem was written. Therefore, intertextualization is taking a great part in the study of the poem. Blake employs his narrative voice here. The Londoners whom Blake sees and hears while wandering in the streets of London like the infant, the chimney sweeper, the soldier and the harlot, all of whose cries are heard by Blake, have their own stories to tell. Blake, by means of his subjectivity and historicity writes the poem in the same way as a travel writer does when he writes a travel document.
Children were sent off the squeeze into small places day after day. Limbs could break. Soot was inhaled. The poisonous chemicals in the chimneys caused hazardous situations, and thus medically, the children were hindered. Children worked anywhere from six to eight hours a day, and were expected to get up bright and early the next day to show up for work. On the occasions that they were allowed
it allows for a deeper understanding of the intended meaning. In William Blake’s “The Chimney Sweeper” from Songs of Innocence, Blake depicts a child who was sold into the work force by his widower father. The child is so young, in fact, he cannot correctly pronounce ‘sweep’, instead crying “weep weep weep…” (3). The child, the perceived speaker of the piece, describes to the audience a fellow chimney sweeper named Tom Dacre. Tom has a