Blake: Songs of Innocence: Nurse's Song: Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
In this poem a nurse initially tells children to come inside as night falls, but after seeing their joy and energy, she allows them to keep playing.
The poem celebrates childhood as a time of innocence, freedom, and connection with nature.
Key Quotes:
What are the key quotes (CLUE: There are 3)
‘Voices of children are heard on the green’ - pastoral imagery - the fact that the children’s voices can be heard from so far so how peaceful it is. ‘Green’ represents nature, innocence and renewal. The children are at one with nature. Blake believes that’s how children should be. Free of corruption that the city life brings.
‘little birds fly (…) covered with sheep’ - the insight of innocence - in harmony with nature. Both animals are peaceful. Shows how idyllic it is.
‘Go and play until the light fades away’ - hints of danger - joy can’t last forever - shows the corruption of incoming experience.
Form/Structures:
What is the form/structure?
Nurse’s Song is a short, simple poem with a clear, conversational style. It follows an AABBCC rhyme scheme and uses a steady rhythm.
The change in the nurse’s attitude, from telling the children to come inside to letting them play, emphasizes the themes of innocence, joy, and care.
The structure mirrors the carefree nature of the children’s world.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. joy and freedom
The children’s desire to keep playing emphasizes themes of joy and freedom.
They live in the present moment, carefree and fully connected to nature, which reflects Blake’s vision of childhood innocence, free from adult worries or societal pressures.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. care and protection
The nurse starts by prioritizing the children’s safety, wanting them to come inside before dark.
However, she later understands the importance of their joy and freedom, realizing that true care involves allowing them to experience unburdened happiness.
Her decision to let them stay outside reflects her compassionate understanding of childhood innocence
Context:
What is the context for this poem?
The poem criticises the adult world and the exploitation of children.
It presents the nurse as a protector who ultimately understands the importance of childhood joy and freedom.
The poem reflects Blake’s idealised vision of innocence, free from the corruption of experience.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could this link to?
The Shepherd (SOI) - both poems feature a nurturing caretaker figure (the shepherd and the nurse) who protects and cares for children, celebrating innocence and natural harmony.
The Echoing Green (SOI) - Both The Echoing Green and Nurse’s Song celebrate joyful childhood moments in nature, emphasizing innocence and freedom. The Echoing Green shows the passage of time, while Nurse’s Song focuses on a single moment of childhood joy. Both highlight the connection between childhood and nature.
