In "The Chimney Sweeper," the speaker, a young boy who has been forced into chimney sweeping, reflects on the harsh realities of his life. He describes the bleakness of his existence, being forced to work in dangerous and dirty conditions, and the loss of his childhood innocence. The poem explores the themes of child labor, social injustice, and the brutalization of childhood.
In "Infant Sorrow," the speaker, a newborn baby, expresses his frustration and sorrow at being born into a world that is not receptive to his needs and desires. The poem highlights the anxieties and struggles that come with entering the world, including the pain of separation from the mother, the discomfort of being confined in a physical body, and the realization that the world is not always a kind place.
Both poems demonstrate how the innocence and vulnerability of children are often disregarded by the adult world, leading to suffering and a sense of alienation. Blake uses vivid imagery and simple language to convey the emotional anguish of these children, raising important questions about the ethical treatment of children and the responsibility of adults to protect their well-being.