Blake: Songs of Experience: Holy Thursday:

Question 1

Plot summary:

What is the plot summary?

Answer 1

The poem critiques the charity event where poor children are paraded for show.

Blake highlights the hypocrisy of society and the church, contrasting the outward display of piety with the children’s suffering and lack of true care.

Question 2

Quotes:

Key Quotes (There are 3)

Answer 2

‘Is this a holy thing to see (..) babes reduced to misery’ -challenging society’s presumptions (Holy Thursday) - children are taught suffering - highlights innocence - Holy Thursday links to how Jesus was betrayed. The church is betraying these children.

‘So many children poor, it is a land of poverty’ - Blake’s anger - this shouldn’t happen - Industrial era - full of prosperity

‘It is eternal winter there’ - Metaphor for a neglectful society - no hope, no warmth - neglect of children brings darkness as children are light

Question 3

Form and Structure:

What is the form/structure like?

Answer 3

Holy Thursday has an ABAB rhyme scheme and consists of four stanzas e.g. Line A rhymes with A line B rhymes with B

The formal structure contrasts with the poem’s critical tone, highlighting Blake’s critique of hypocrisy and exploitation in the charity event.

Question 4

Themes:

Key themes e.g. social injustice

Answer 4

Blake highlights the exploitation of the poor, particularly children, showing how they are used as symbols of charity rather than being genuinely cared for.

Question 5

Themes:

Key themes e.g. innocence v suffering

Answer 5

The children, innocent yet suffering, symbolize the disparity between the religious ceremony’s and the harsh reality of poverty.

Question 6

Context:

What is the context of Blake?

Answer 6

Holy Thursday critiques the hypocrisy of the church and society during the 18th century, highlighting how poor children were paraded for charity without addressing their real suffering.

Blake exposes how charity was used for appearance rather than true care, reflecting his critique of institutional religion and social inequality.

Question 7

Other poems it could link to:

What other poems could it link to?

Answer 7

“Holy Thursday” (SOI) – Offers an idealistic view of the same charity event, contrasting with the critical tone of Songs of Experience.

“The Chimney Sweeper” (SOI) – Both address the exploitation of children.

“The Garden of Love” (SOE) – Critiques the church and religious institutions, similar to Holy Thursday.