Somgs Of Innocence And Experience summary Flashcards
Innocence: Ostensibly about naivety and simplicity of innocent youth. Not merely a collection of verses for children. Ironic tone in many poems. Chimney sweeps imply sharp criticism of the spiciest of Blake’s time. A warning to adult readers. Innocence has been lost not just through ageing. Forces of vulture have allowed a hope crushing society to flourish, sometimes as the direct expense of children’s souls.
Experience: direct criticism of society. Stacks church leader, wealth socialites and cruel parents with equal vehemence. Develops his own personal theological system. Questions how God exists, whether a God would allow poor children to suffer and be exploited, whether love can exist as an abstract concept apart from human interaction. “Free love” dismantle institution of marriage and artificial restrictions on human freedom
His work in expressed his belief that freedom and independence from authorities were paramount.
Songs of innocence = childlike naivety
Songs of experience = dark and cynical tone that laments the destruction of innocence by modern society
