In William Blake's poem "The Little Black Boy," the speaker addresses the complexities of race, identity, spirituality, and love. Through the voices of a little black boy and a little English boy, the poem explores themes of innocence, acceptance, and the hope for equality. With vivid imagery, symbolism, and a conversational tone, Blake delves into the societal constructs of race and the spiritual yearning for unity and harmony.
The Little Black Boy by William Blake
My mother bore me in the southern wild,
And I am black, but oh my soul is white!
White as an angel is the English child,
But I am black, as if bereaved of light.
My mother taught me underneath a tree,
And, sitting down before the heat of day,
She took me on her lap and kissed me,
And, pointed to the east, began to say:
‘‘Look on the rising sun: there God does live,
And gives His light, and gives His heat away,
And flowers and trees and beasts and men receive
Comfort in morning, joy in the noonday.
‘‘And we are put on earth a little space,
That we may learn to bear the beams of love
And these black bodies and this sunburnt face
Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove.
‘‘For when our souls have learn’d the heat to bear,
The cloud will vanish, we shall hear His voice,
Saying, ’Come out from the grove, my love and care
And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice’,’’
Thus did my mother say, and kissed me;
And thus I say to little English boy.
When I from black and he from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God like lambs we joy
I’ll shade him from the heat till he can bear
To lean in joy upon our Father’s knee;
And then I’ll stand and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he will then love me.
Critical Analysis
"The Little Black Boy" by William Blake is a poignant exploration of race, identity, spirituality, and the universal longing for acceptance and equality. The poem is presented as a conversation between a little black boy and a little English boy, facilitated by the wisdom of the little black boy's mother. Through this dialogue, Blake delves into the themes of spiritual enlightenment, the transitory nature of physical appearances, and the aspiration for unity and love.
The poem begins with the speaker, a little black boy, contrasting the darkness of his skin with the whiteness of his soul. This initial paradox sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the relationship between physical appearance and spiritual essence. The little black boy's soul being "white" symbolizes purity, innocence, and spirituality.
The role of the mother is significant in shaping the little black boy's perspective. She teaches him the spiritual lesson that the rising sun represents God's presence, providing light and warmth to all living beings. This lesson serves as an allegory for divine love and comfort that transcends physical attributes.
The metaphor of the "black bodies" and "sunburnt face" being "but a cloud" emphasizes the impermanence of the physical world and the fleeting nature of bodily distinctions. The analogy to a "shady grove" suggests that these differences are transient, like passing shadows, and do not define one's true essence.
The dialogue between the two boys reflects their shared desire for acceptance and unity. The little black boy envisions a future when he and the little English boy are free from the constraints of racial prejudice and divisions. The image of them rejoicing "round the tent of God like lambs" signifies a harmonious coexistence where love and unity prevail.
The concluding lines reflect the little black boy's aspiration to not only be equal in the eyes of God but also to foster a genuine bond with the little English boy. The act of "shading" him from the heat and "stroking his silver hair" symbolizes protection, care, and mutual understanding.
Overall, "The Little Black Boy" explores profound themes of identity, spirituality, and the universal desire for unity and acceptance. Through its allegorical language, vivid imagery, and compassionate tone, the poem challenges societal divisions and encourages the pursuit of spiritual connection and love.
Split into Parts
The poem can be divided into three parts based on its thematic progression:
- Contrasting Identities: The poem begins with the little black boy reflecting on the disparity between his black skin and his white soul, setting up the exploration of physical and spiritual identities.
- Mother's Lesson and Spiritual Insight: The mother's teachings under the tree introduce the concept of the rising sun as a representation of God's presence and love that transcends physical appearances.
- Dialogue and Aspirations: The dialogue between the two boys expresses their shared longing for unity and acceptance, envisioning a future where racial differences are transcended and love prevails.
Summary
The Little Black Boy by William Blake engages with themes of race, identity, spirituality, and unity. The poem's conversation between a little black boy and a little English boy, guided by the wisdom of the little black boy's mother, highlights the transience of physical appearances in comparison to the enduring purity of the soul. The rising sun serves as a metaphor for God's universal love, providing comfort and joy to all. The poem envisions a future where racial divisions are overcome, and love and unity prevail, emphasizing the aspiration for mutual understanding and acceptance.
Themes of the Poem
- Race and Identity: The poem explores the complexities of racial identity and the contrast between physical appearances and spiritual essence.
- Spirituality and Unity: The rising sun serves as a symbol of God's presence and universal love, emphasizing the potential for unity and spiritual connection beyond divisions.
- Acceptance and Aspiration: The dialogue between the two boys reflects their shared desire for acceptance and their aspiration for a future where racial differences are transcended, and love prevails.
Stylistic Analysis
- Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the contrasting identities of the little black boy and his soul, as well as the symbolic significance of the rising sun.
- Tone: The tone is contemplative and compassionate, inviting readers to reflect on themes of race, identity, and unity.
- Metaphor and Symbolism: The rising sun serves as a metaphor for God's love and presence, while the "cloud" and "shady grove" symbolize the impermanence of physical attributes.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Hope and Longing: The little black boy's dialogue expresses his hope and longing for a future where racial divisions are overcome, and love and unity prevail.
- Compassion and Understanding: The little black boy's aspiration to care for the little English boy's well-being reflects his compassion and desire for mutual understanding.
Language
- Conversational Language: The poem adopts a conversational tone, creating an intimate and empathetic connection with the reader.
- Contrasting Language: The contrasts between black and white, sun and cloud, and heat and shade emphasize the themes of identity and unity.
Sound Devices
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, contributing to its rhythmic flow and musicality.
- Alliteration: Alliteration, such as "beams of love" and "cloud" and "care," enhances the rhythm and resonance of the lines.