The Chimney Sweeper

Outline

Introduction

Thesis Statement

Discussion

Themes of the poem

Situation in the Poem

Symbolic Approach

Significance of Title

Impact of Issues highlighted on the Society

Conclusion

The Chimney Sweeper

Introduction

The chimney sweeper is the story of innocence of a young boy and prevalent injustice in the society. This work of William Blake represents his pain for harm, caused by humans to one another because of their vested interests. Blake has explained the scenario prevailed in Europe in 18th Century, where people with the lust of power and wealth had stepped down the concept of humanity to its last extend. This era was an era of the industrial revolution, which had not only brought technological changes but had shaken the whole continent with socio-economic and cultural crisis.

Thesis Statement

Social injustice implies a heavy cost not only on individual lives but also on the entire society.

Discussion

Themes of the Poem

The changes caused by the industrial revolution produced immediate consequences on life in Europe. This fast revolution had led the continent towards enormous economic growth.  The economic growth, which is considered as a blessing could also become a curse if it is a rapid one. The most disadvantaged social classes were terribly affected by this great change. Child exploitation and social crimes and injustice were the negative consequences of this revolution, which were protested by intellectuals and writers in their works. It has remained always debatable that what one should value more either the advantages of the industrial revolution or the disadvantages. Many claim that growth has both consequences and one always have to pay certain cost to achieve something. But, what if the cost is more than the real gains?

Leonardo Boff (2001) explains that social injustice, which is the cost of rapid industrialization, is the biggest challenge the world is facing. The leading edge technologies have fastened the wealth accumulation as well as its unjust distribution.

Situation in the Poem

The poem's character “Tom”, who is representing the children in poverty, is ...