This poem is about a child who works sweeping chimneys. It's sad to know in many countries Kids are forced to work and are not able to enjoy their childhood. The kids living conditions in this poem are horrific. He was sad that his hair was shaved off 'Theres little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head, That curled like a lambs back, was shaved:' (5-6) the man that comes in the coffins where they sleep threatens them to be good or God won't be their father. 'And Angel told Tom, if he'd be a good boy, He'd have God for his father, and never want joy.' (19-20).
Before we make comparison betweent the poem and life, let's consider when the poem was written? How does this poem compare with Kees' "For My Daughter"? How does it compare with Hughes' "Mother to Son"? Start making connections.
ReplyDelete