The Chimney Sweeper: Songs of Experience

Question 1

What is the Rhyming scheme

Answer 1

AABB CACA EFEF

Question 2

Use of form

Answer 2

Simplicity contrasting complex ideas, half the length of the other chimney sweeper poem perhaps suggesting a weakening life force.

Question 3

Identify each stanza and BRIEFLY summarize

Answer 3

First stanza: introduces weeping child in the snow, asked where his parents are, they are up at the church to pray
Second stanza: child talks about how they used to play happily, now they are punished and unhappy, made them sing a song of sadness
Third stanza: because they dance and sung, the parents believe they have done no wrong, too busy at the church making a fake heaven out of pain and suffering of the exploited

Question 4

How is the theme of Organized Religion and Childhood represented

Answer 4

Compared to the other chimney sweeper poem the boys hold on to their religious beliefs as a way of coping, this chimney sweep knows that religion is a form of oppression not salvation. The new experienced view has let the child see through the lies of the church and isn’t afraid to say so. The boy also states that his parents have “gone up to the church to pray”, they are too occupied with satisfying their religious authorities to care for their child. The church sold false religion to those in poverty. “They think they have done me no injury” people think that as long they do what the church says then they will be rewarded, no responsibility taken for children.

Question 5

Name the most prevalent theme in the poem

Answer 5

Organized Religion and Childhood

Question 6

When was the poem published

Answer 6

1794