Question

How does William Blake describe Chimney - Sweepers and young soldiers in London​

Answer 1

Explanation:

I am going to explain how two poems, London and The Chimney sweeper, both written by William Blake, are similar in the way they convey their views on London in the 1790’s/1800’s. London was published in Songs of Experience in 1794 and is one of the few poems in Songs of Experience to not have been corresponding poem in Songs of Innocence. Whereas The Chimney Sweeper was published in the Songs of Innocence in 1789 and in the Songs of Experience in 1794. The Songs of Innocence section contains poems which are positive in tone and celebrate love, childhood and nature. The Songs o Experience poems are obviously intended to provide a contrast, and illustrate the effects of modern life on people and nature. Dangerous industrial conditions, child labour, prostitution and poverty are just some of the topics Blake explores. Both poems describe the harsh conditions of life in London in the 1800’s. During the Industrial Revolution thousands of citizens left the rural life and came to the large metropolises areas for the guaranteed jobs which manufacturing offered. London, Birmingham and Manchester all felt the effects of the growing industrialisation. This influx of people into the city centres made for rapid growth and prosperity. However, there was also a very negative aspect as the crowds of workers had to be accommodated and cared for in a system which was not prepared to do so. The poems were written around the French Revolution so this is the time when the poor, low class citizens were rebelling against the rich citizens mainly because they have a better lifestyle and they have decent home to live in. in 1789, the French revolted against the monarchy and aristocracy, using violence and murder to overthrow those in power. Many saw the French Revolution as inspirational, a model for how ordinary, disadvantaged people could seize power. Blake alludes to the Revolution in London, arguably suggesting that the experience of living there could encourage a revolution on the streets of the capital.