1. "London":
In the poem "London," Blake presents a vision of urban life that is characterized by darkness and oppression. The speaker wanders through the streets, observing scenes of poverty, despair, and exploitation. The use of imagery, such as "charter'd Thames," "dark Satanic mills," and "mind-forg'd manacles," suggests a society trapped in a cycle of suffering and dehumanization. The poem's portrayal of the city as a place where "every face" is "pale with care" emphasizes the pervasive loss of innocence and the damaging impact of industrialization on human life.
2. "The Chimney Sweeper":
"The Chimney Sweeper" is another poignant exploration of the theme of lost innocence. The poem delves into the plight of young children who are forced to work as chimney sweeps, enduring dangerous and oppressive conditions. The speaker, a child himself, narrates his experiences and reflects on the injustice and cruelty of this practice. The poem's use of symbolism, such as the contrast between the "blackening church" and the "white cloud," highlights the contrast between the purity of childhood and the harsh realities of the world. The speaker's innocence is further emphasized by his references to "God" and "Jesus," as well as his longing for eternal rest, illustrating the child's desperate hope for escape from his dire circumstances.
Through these poems, Blake effectively portrays a world where innocence is crushed under the weight of poverty, social injustice, and the harshness of industrial life. His works serve as powerful indictments of the social and economic conditions that robbed countless individuals, especially children, of their innocence and human dignity.