Marxist Perspective in “The Chimney Sweeper” by William Blake

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The study aims to delineate the idea that the ruling class exploits the working class. According to Marxist ideology, capitalism is the major cause of creating class differences. There is conflict between the two classes i.e. the bourgeoisie and proletariat. The working class is always exploited at the hands of the upper class. Therefore, the study deals with application of Marxist theory of ‘Exploitation of Labor’ to understand the poetic verses of William Blake’s poem the “The Chimney Sweeper”, which highlights the matter of child labor during the 18th century.

Methodology: The research adopts exploratory methods. The data is collected from William Blake’s poems Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. Only one poem is selected from the sample out of 19 poems. The data is qualitative in nature.

Findings: The findings of the study reveal sufferings of the oppressed children due to economic burden that befell during the Industrial Revolution. The speaker of the poem is a child who belongs to the downtrodden class and narrates the story of other children working as young sweepers. They all struggle for survival and suffer emotionally and physically.

Conclusion: The study seeks to conclude in the light of showing sympathy for the miseries of the poor children of the 18th century and cruelty of the ruling elites and capitalism. Blake blames the institutions of religion and government for enforcing child labor and showing no sympathy towards the innocent children. Blake reflects the ideas of Marxism through the voice of children.