Blake: Songs of Experience: The Little Boy Lost: Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
The poem critiques religious oppression. A boy questions his ability to love others more than himself, and a priest punishes him for challenging religious beliefs.
The child is punished, highlighting the dangers of blind obedience and the harshness of religious teachings.
Quotes:
Key Quotes (CLUE: There are 3)
‘I love you like the little bird that picks up crumbs around the door’ - shows vulnerability - wants love and guidance but is being denied and things are being hidden from him.
‘All admired with priestly care (…) our holy mystery’ - shows the corruption of the church - deeply ironic - and shows the blindness of society. ‘our holy mystery’ - shows how the church needs to own religion and contain it - keep it in control - Blake sees this as sinful.
‘Burned him in the holy place where many had been burned before’ - graphic imagery - emphasises how the church wants to control people. There is no room for questioning - theocracy.
Form and Structure:
What is the form/structure?
The poem has four stanzas with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme.
The structure highlights the contrast between the child’s innocence and the harshness of the priest’s actions, emphasising the conflict between curiosity and religious oppression.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. religious oppression
The poem critiques the harshness of religious institutions, highlighting how questioning or challenging authority is punished.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. blind obedience
The poem condemns the blind obedience to religious and societal authority, showing the tragic consequences of unquestioning adherence.
Context:
What is the context?
Blake critiqued the oppressive nature of organized religion and societal control, which he believed stifled individuality and creativity.
The poem reflects Blake’s concerns about the dangers of blind obedience to authority and the harmful impact of religious institutions.
Through this work, Blake challenges conventional views of morality and promotes personal freedom and imagination.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could it link to?
“The Chimney Sweeper” (SOI) – shows the exploitation of children, highlighting societal neglect.
“Holy Thursday” (SOI) – Critiques how children are paraded as symbols of virtue but neglected by society.
“London” (SOE)– Condemns the oppressive effects of industrialisation, especially on children.
