The Chimney Sweeper

1) I feel that both of these poems promote social change. Blake wrote these two poems in different forms but I feel they still appeal to the emotions and imagination of many people. In "The Chimney Sweeper: The Songs of Innocence" is very dark and gloomy. It highlights the young children awaiting death and wanting a better life. They feel that if they work hard during this lifetime they will be rewarded in heaven. An example from the text is: "locked up in a coffin of black". These children were very confused about what was happening to them. They were facing terrible hardships and didn't know how to express their emotions. This is the main reason why I feel that these poems could have promoted social change. Unlike the typical poem or notice about the conditions, Blake took this a step further and made it connect to our feelings and emotions.

2) I think that the editors included the Parliament transcript as a primary source document because its first-hand experience to what these children went through. Since it was a public transcript, documents like this could have been used by Blake as research for his poems. Sometimes it is easier for people to read a transcript or facts instead of trying to interpret the poem. This is a true example of the "voice of the people". It doesn't really affect or alter my interpretation of Blake's poem, it actually highlights my opinions more. I noticed that Blake only focused on the mental deterioration of the children and this transcript centers on the physical, grueling conditions.