Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper" is a powerful indictment of
a society that puts making money above its virtual enslavement and abuse of its
children. Though the boys are not to blame--they are children, after all--their naivete
leads them to accept what society tells them and allows them to be pacified. If ever
there was a good example of Marx's idea that religion is the opiate of the people, the
chimney sweeps in this poem are that example.
Tom's hair is
like that of a lamb, in that he is innocent and, like lambs are traditionally thought
of, a victim (a lamb being led to slaughter). He will spend his days in confining,
black, dark chimneys (the coffins of the dream) and his only escapes are dreams and
death. And the soot in his lungs will almost certainly lead to an early death. The
sweeps are sold into servitude and made to think that it is okay, since their
imprisoned-like state will guarantee them a place in heaven. If they behave in this
life (go along with the abuse without arguing) they will be rewarded in the next life:
very convenient for those in power.
Blake condemns society
in this poem. The children are mistaken in their naive, childish acceptance of their
fate, though again they are not to blame: business people, political leaders, and the
church are to blame.
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