The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Experience) : Literary devices
The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Experience) 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 The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Experience).
Literary devices
In William Blake’s “The Chimney Sweeper” from “Songs of Experience,” several symbols convey deeper meanings and themes.
Soot: Soot, associated with the chimneys, symbolizes the moral and spiritual pollution from exploiting children. It is not just physical grime but also a metaphor for the corruption of society’s values.
Cry of “weep! weep!”: The repeated cry of “weep! weep!” is a stark and poignant symbol of the children’s suffering.
Religious Imagery: The poem contains religious imagery and themes, such as references to God, the Church, prayer, and the idea of heaven. These symbols highlight the hypocrisy of society.