William Blake’s “The Little Black Boy” is a powerful poem from his 1789 collection, Songs of Innocence. At first glance, it seems simple. However, the poem explores complex and challenging themes. It delves into racism, identity, and divine love through the eyes of a child. This guide will help you understand its story, characters, and deeper meanings.
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. William Blake: Songs of Innoce…
A Summary of the Poem
The poem begins with a young black boy telling his story. He explains that his soul is white, even though his skin is black. His mother taught him this lesson while sitting under a tree. She pointed to the sun, describing it as God’s home. She explained that God gives us the sun’s light and heat to help us learn to bear his love.
His mother tells him that their black skin is like a cloud. It shields them from the intense