Blake: Songs of Innocence: The Echoing Green Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
In the Echoing Green Blake shows children playing joyfully on a field, while elderly figures reflect on their youth.
As the day ends, the tone shifts to one of quiet reflection, symbolising the passage of time and the cycle of life from childhood to old age.
Key Quotes:
What are the key quotes (CLUE: There are 4)
‘Sitting under the oak tree, among the old folk’ - oak is associated with wisdom - helps to show that through age people can gain experience and this isn’t always a bad thing.
‘In our youth-time were seen’ - helps to sow the naivety of the childhood and how it is a moment of nostalgia.
‘And sport no more seen on the darkening green’ - symbol of the Industrial Revolution. ‘darkening green’ could represent clouds of smoke. Also helps to show that innocence cannot last forever which helps to emphasise the fact that childhood and innocence shouldn’t be take for granted. IT DOESN’T LAST FOREVER!!!
Form/Structures:
What is the form/structure?
The poem is written in rhymed couplets. This helps to show innocence of the children which Blake believes should be treasured.
The three stanzas mirror the passage of time, moving from the joyful play of children in the morning to the quiet reflection of old age in the evening.
The structure and rhythm reflect this cycle, with repetition highlighting the role of nature and the flow of life.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. innocence and childhood
The poem celebrates the joy and freedom of childhood, as represented by the children playing on the green.
Their laughter and energy reflect the carefree nature of youth, central to the Songs of Innocence collection.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. nostalgia and reflection
The elderly figures in the poem represent reflection and nostalgia, looking back on their own childhoods with fondness and recognition of time passed.
Their memories contrast with the present joy of the children, highlighting the fleeting nature of youth.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. nature and harmony
Nature plays a central role in the poem, symbolizing harmony and the cyclical nature of life.
The “echoing green” serves as a metaphor for the stages of life, suggesting a natural order where each phase is linked to the next.
Context:
What is the context for this poem?
The poem is written during a time of political and social change e.g. the industrial revolution and this reflects Blake’s idealised view of childhood innocence and the natural world.
The poem emphasizes the purity of childhood and the cyclical nature of life, with nature symbolizing spiritual harmony.
It is part of Songs of Innocence, which presents an idealized vision of life, contrasting with the darker themes of Songs of Experience.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could this link to?
The Chimney Sweeper (SOI) contrasts with The Echoing Green by highlighting the suffering of children, showing poverty and labour, yet still offering spiritual hope and innocence.
The Garden of Love (SOE) critiques the repression of natural desires by organized religion, contrasting the freedom of nature in The Echoing Green and exploring the tension between innocence and societal constraints.
The Lamb (SOI) celebrates childhood innocence and purity, similar to The Echoing Green, using the lamb as a symbol of Christ and divine connection, emphasizing innocence as a spiritual state.
