"The Chimney Sweeper" by William Blake

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends and explains the manner in which Blake's poem highlights the issues of poverty and the abusive nature of manual labor, which was prevalent in 19th century England. This paper delves into the social conditions that existed during the time Blake's poem was written. This paper discusses and analyzes the plot of the poem which depicts a modernist perspective while reflecting the objective reality of human society as Blake had observed it first-hand. This paper focuses on Blake's portrayal of the lives of chimney sweepers while illustrating the themes of alienation and moral degeneration as an an honest and true description of the suffering that existed in that particular era.

From the Paper:

"Noticeably, Blake's depiction of the lives of chimney sweepers and illustrating the themes of alienation and moral degeneration was an honest and real description of what suffering, poverty, and death was like to humanity of the 19th century. Death, once a feared state for society, became an acceptable escape for poor and underprivileged people like the poem's chimney sweepers. Equating death as 'heaven's gift,' signified by the presence of an "angel who had a bright key" meant that society had passed a period in history wherein what was considered before as immoral became acceptable. However, Blake also presented an alternative to those who have not met their deaths, and it was to accept reality and live life as it is, a modernist's solution to a rapidly modernizing society."

More papers on "The Chimney Sweeper" by William Blake:

• Analytical Essay # 59141 : "London" by William Blake"
• Poem Review # 122974 : "William Blake's "Chimney Sweep Poems"
• Analytical Essay # 48730 : "William Blake's Poetry"

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