Lecture Notes: William Blake and the Chimney Sweeper Poems

Introduction

• Discussion on birth and the metaphorical journey through life.
• Reference to Mary Poppins' Chimney Sweeper and the harsh realities of child labor.
• Focus on William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience."
• Exploration of Blake's idea of "contraries" and progression.

William Blake: A Romantic Visionary

• Blake considered the first of the Romantics.
• Known for combining artistic engraving with poetic works.
• Concept of contraries: No progression without contraries.
• Two major works: "Songs of Innocence" (1789) and "Songs of Experience."

Songs of Innocence and Experience

• Published together to depict contrasting states of the human soul.
• Parallel poems offer different perspectives on similar themes.

Chimney Sweeper in Songs of Innocence

• Perspective: Innocent, childlike view despite bleak conditions.
• Narrative: Child sold by father after mother's death; works as a chimney sweep.
• Imagery: References to "Lamb's back" and angelic dreams.
• Theme: Innocence is about perspective, not situation.

Chimney Sweeper in Songs of Experience

• Perspective: Experienced, realistic, and bleak.
• Narrative: Child is abandoned by parents, exploited by society.
• Imagery: Coffins, snow, and social oppression.
• Theme: Critique of organized religion and societal neglect.

Social Context and Child Labor

• Chimney sweeps: Children used due to their small size.
• Harsh conditions: Deformities, disease, and lack of regulation.
• Blake's critique of society's indifference to child suffering.

Visual Analysis of Blake's Plates

• Songs of Innocence Plate: Bright colors, angelic imagery, companionship.
• Songs of Experience Plate: Dark, isolated, oppressive imagery.

Romanticism and Social Critique

• Romanticism's dual focus: Childhood and Industrial Revolution.
• Social consciousness through literature and its impact over time.

Conclusion

• Duality in Blake's work: Hope vs. harsh reality.
• Literature as a medium for introspection, not just entertainment.

Further Discussion

• Encouragement to explore visual representations and interpretations of Blake's works.