Introduction (Songs of Innocence) : Summary
Introduction (Songs of Innocence) is a notable literary work by William Blake. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Introduction (Songs of Innocence).
Summary
The Piper Meets a Mystical Child: At the beginning, the poet walks through a wild, beautiful valley. He happily plays cheerful music on his pipe. He sees a smiling child sitting on a cloud. The child seems happy to hear the music. The child asks the speaker to play a song about a lamb. So, he does it with joy. The child then asks him to play the same song again. When he plays the song again, the child begins to cry. Because the music has deeply touched the child.
Then, the child tells the speaker to stop piping and to sing the song instead. The speaker sings the same happy song again. This time, the child cries tears of joy.
Writing the Songs for All to Read: Then, the child tells the speaker to sit and write the songs. He wants them in a book for everyone to read. After saying this, the child disappears.
The speaker then picks a hollow reed (a plant) and turns it into a pen. He dips it in clean water and begins writing his happy songs. He hopes all children will be able to read them and feel joy.