William Blake – Summary Of Poems

A pastoral-based poem which talks about an innocent child who requests "a song about a lamb". The narrator writes "happy songs every child may joy to hear".

Blake questions what kind of God made the lamb - "Little Lamb God bless thee"

Blake talks of a new born baby - joy is his name.

Blake moans about the fact that education restricts the mind rather than grows it - "how can the bird that is born for joy sit in a cage and sing?"

A poem which supports the abolition of the slave trade. He states that black and white people are equally loved by God.

A considerate nurse allows the children she cares for to play outside "till the light fades away".

"weep weep weep weep" - the story of chimney sweepers who carry on because of their belief in paradise after death.

Blake argues the difference between selfish and selfless love using a nature-themed analogy.

A chimney sweeper works while his parents go to church, he believes his parents are trying to prevent his happiness.

Blake questions how the God that made the lamb could make something so evil.

Blake talks about the corruption and misery in London, partially blaming the church.

Using lots of personification of personality features, Blake talks about the problems that corrupt our minds.

The opposite of Infant Joy - a baby is born in a chaotic, loud and unloving environment.

Blake using the analogy of wrath within the mind growing on a poison tree.

Blake criticises the church for censoring rational questioning and reasoned thinking - a boy is punished by a priest for questioning the bible's teaching.