William Blake Poem Analysis by Brennan Pierce

““The Chimney The Chimney Sweeper” & “A Sweeper” & “A Divine Image”Divine Image”

by William Blakeby William Blake

William BlakeWilliam BlakeBlake resided in London, England. He lived a “respectable” area as a child that seemed too dull to influence such artistry. He never went to school as a boy, therefore his imagination wondered.

Upon learning of Blake’s talent, his parents send him to school when he was ten and then to a master engraver as an apprentice when he was fourteen. Finally, Blake enrolled in the Royal Academy at age twenty-one. While Blake was writing, his environment was changing. Political and social structures were shifting, including the American Revolution and French Revolution.

““A Chimney Sweeper”A Chimney Sweeper”

The short story the chimney sweeper is a sorrowful one. A small boy was left alone by his mother and father. He, however, attempts to stay positive. Since he seems happy, those who have hurt him have no idea of their wrongdoing.

MeaningMeaning

The symbolism of “clothes of death” is that someone tried to help the young boy, and yet the gift they gave was no blessing.

Poetry ElementsPoetry Elements

Rhyme scheme: AABB CACA DEDE

Meter and Rhythm:

1st stanza 8-8-9-10

2nd stanza 10-9-9-9

3rd stanza 11-10-11-11

““A Divine Image”A Divine Image”

Blake describes negative emotions and actions as physical parts of the human body. The human body is the describes as a fiery being.

MeaningMeaning

Nouns such as “Secresy” and “Cruelty” are not just personified with human attributes. Blake is meaning that humans created and are responsible for these terrible parts of our world.

Poetry ElementsPoetry Elements

Rhyme scheme: ABCB DEFE

Meter and Rhythm:

1st stanza 8-8-8-8

2nd stanza 8-8-8-8

Works CitedWorks Cited

http://www.poemhunter.com/i/ebooks/pdf/william_blake_2004_9.pdf

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/william-blake

http://www.blakesociety.org/about-blake/blake-london/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chimney_Sweeper

http://updateslive.blogspot.com/2012/11/william-blake-divine-image.html