Kristel Encarnacion
The chimney Sweeper
This is a sad poem that kind of or completely reflects children suffering in history. The poem kind of exposes children neglect. I am aware that long ago children of lower social stratus and with missing parents were often used to perform the labor of chimney sweepers specifically because of their size.The child yearns to be free and stays optimistic on a better life but the writer of the poem stays realistic and explains that although the boy is optimistic the reality of his fate is grim. The writer might of written the poem to raise social awareness on this issue.
Interesting, so the poem is political. Excellent point about child labor and why the slight bulit of childern was preferred for jobs, which were dangerous. When was the poem written? What about the religious references in this poem? How does this poem compare with Hughes' and Kees' poems?
ReplyDeleteBlake's poems present a contradiction between the states of innocence and experience his poem created a image of children, religion and society in general. The poem is a scathing criticism of an intrinsically flawed society that believes itself to be almost perfect
ReplyDeleteBlake utilizes the persona of a small boy, "little Tom Dacre". He elevated this boy into an individual. No longer is he just another faceless young chimney sweep; he has been granted a name, feelings, and emotions.
Miss B , I feel that religion is being criticized in the poem specifically for the deplorable ways they allow these children to live and the little help they offer the poor children and families. At times I feel the boys express hope and continue to do their work hoping that the condition of their life would change , and at times I even got the notion that they were hoping for a better afterlife kind of hoping for a quick death. I feel like the poem might be suggesting that these children are hopeless and its up to the adults surronding them to help them.
ReplyDeleteI agree, "the chimney sweeper" raises politics about child labor. In "mother to son", she hopes for her son to overcome his hardships and know that life is not easy. The hope in "the chimney sweeper" would almost be a response to that- in that despite his harsh life, he speaks in an uplifting tone. He accepts his fate. I dont agree, though, that the chimney sweepers are hopeless and it is up to the adults to help them. I think it is the other way around. I think the children in this poem are the only ones left with hope, because of their innocence and belief in religion.
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