Diction and imagery
What does "my father sold me while yet me tongue could scarcely cry?
He was very young and was not yet able to properly talk.
What is the symbolism of the lamb?
Innocence and purity.
what two things are being compared - "cried when his head, that curled like a lambs back, was shav'd"
The boys hair and the wool on a lambs back.
What is the rhyme scheme?
Rhyming couplets (AABB)
Who is the poet?
William Blake
What does sport mean?
Play
Shaving the boys heads
Loss of innocence
Identify the figure of speech - "cried when his head, that curled like a lambs back, was shav'd"
Simile
What social issue is being addressed in this poem?
Child labour
Why are the boys mentioned by name?
- To personalise the experience and to show that real boys experienced this exploitation.
What does the word 'lock'd up' imply about the boys choice to do this work?
They had no choice in the matter. They were prisoners of the system.
What does the coffin symbolise?
- a trapped life or death
Explain the alliteration in "So your chimneys I sweep, & in soot I sleep."
Creates a sweeping sound.
Why does the poet use a rhyme scheme which creates the sense of a nursery rhyme?
- Because the topic is so depressing.
What is the tone of the poem?
Gentle and innocent.
What are the coffins of black?
Chimneys
Why is the bright key symbolic?
- of freedom and releasing them from hardship.
How is the last line ironic?
If they do their duty then they will be rewarded but it is ironic as their lives are so terrible and no sign of improving.
What institution is Blake critical of in this poem?
The church and the workhouses.
When was this poem written?
1789
Why is Tom happy and warm after his dream?
He has felt God and what awaits him in the afterlife.
What does the angel symbolise?
Hope or a divine salvation.
Why dis the poet include the word 'Thousands' with reference to the boys.
He wanted to show how widespread chaild labour was. Many thousands of your children were exposed to these exploitative ptactices.
How does the dream contrast with the childrens real life experiences?
In the dream they can play and be children but in real life they have harsh conditions and drudgery.
Compare the two fathers mentioned in this poem.
Real father sold him into slave labour whereas God the Father will provide comfort and joy.