One student's analysis of the Chimney Sweeper, the Introduction and The Shepherd

The Chimney Sweeper:

The chimney sweeper is a poem which shares a story from the perspective of what seems to be a child who is a chimney sweeper. It addresses the tragedy of young children being sold due to their small size and in turn ability to sweep chimney efficiently in the early past of London. It highlights the innocence of the children as it is detailed that Tom, perhaps a friend of the speaker of the poem, has his head shaved and as a result cries. As this is detailed the comparison is made of Tom to a lamb: ‘curl’d like lambs back’. This is one of many references by Blake to Lambs throughout his poems as a lamb is typically seen as a symbol of sacrifice particularly within religion. Of course the lamb cannot defend itself which in turn reflects its innocence. Furthermore it has committed no sin to deserve to be sacrificed. We later see Blake compare the discussed chimney sweeping children to Lambs yet again: ‘naked and white’. I believe the end of the poem seems to suggest that death is perhaps a better option for the children forced to perform manual labor as the last two stanzas seem to detail their journey to heaven: ‘he’d have God for his father and never want joy’.

Introduction:

The first poem within the songs of innocence is yet again one which clearly reflects the theme of innocence. We see references to children, lambs and general references to feelings of happiness and joy, these being directly related to innocence. We see Blake describe water as ‘clear’. This adjective connotes purity as it insinuates that the water is in its purest form, having not been in any way polluted of affected from its natural state. The continual references to ‘pipes’ is perhaps in connection with the myth of the greek god Pan. This is as this god is associated with playing a pipe in the countryside spreading joy. Again relating to innocence. \=

The Shepherd:

The shepherd is another poem with which posseses religious context. The poem details the shepherd’s dedication to his sheep, much like several quotes from john 10:11 detail. Furthermore this position of course directly relates to sheep, a recurring symbol throughout the songs of innocence, as well as a direct reflection of innocence. Quotes from john 10:14 also detail a shepherd’s awareness of his sheep, as does this example of Blake’s poetry: ‘He is watchful while they are in peace.’ Perhaps this is due to Blake’s spiritualist background and belief in God, although not in a conventional Christian sense. We see Blake describe the Lambs of the poem as innocent also: ‘the lambs innocent call’.