Equality and White Superiority in The Little Black Boy

Equality and White Superiority in William Blake’s â€Å"The Little Black Boy† William Blakes The Little Black Boy†, written in 1789, is about a little black boy who compares himself to a little English white boy that he and his family work for. The poem was written in recognition of slavery. The poem is written in quatrains in each stanza with a rhyme scheme of ABAB in a ballad style. The setting of the poem sounds to be during the time of slavery. This is concluded in lines 25-26, Ill shade him from the heat till he can bear/ To lean in joy upon our fathers knee. The themes of this are spirituality and equality. The black boy speaks of the dark color of his skin compared to the light skin color of the English boy. And I am black,†¦show more content†¦From a historical perspective, the poem was written to represent the abolition of slavery in Britain. The poem was written during the time that slavery was still legal in England until it was abolished in 1839. Blake composed this poem during the Romantic period, hence why the poem was written as a revolt against slavery. William Blake was opposed to slavery. Most of his works were representations of slavery or freedom. Many of his writings contained very graphic illustrations of the negative effects and positive effects of slavery and freedom. He didn’t view slavery as only physical bondage, but also mental bondage as well. Within this poem, the mother shares her knowledge about God with her son .The aspect and recognition of God is also very often brought to attention throughout the poem. â€Å"Look on the rising sun: there God does live.† (line 9), â€Å"And round the tent of God like lambs we joy†. (line 24). I think the boy believes, or rather yet, the mother gives the little black boy the impression that though it may seem like there is no equality here on earth, God still loves us all the same, even if it is expressed differently than others. From a cultural approach, the poem reflects slavery during that time through a child’s perspective. Children are known to be very innocent and lack knowledge of just how the world runs or works compared to an older adult who has received much more experience. Until they are fully matured, children are nurtured and taught lifeShow MoreRelatedStereotyping And Friendship Appear To Be Completely Distinct1588 Words   |  7 Pagesman (Robert) before they meet which causes tension and ignorance for the husband. As for friendship in â€Å"Everything That Rises Must Converge†, this is only seen amongst the characters with the same race; friendship is often mistaken for a sense of superiority amongst the characters versus true friendship. Friendship in â€Å"Cathedral† is something that was seen from the beginning till the end. 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