Nurse's Song (Innocence): Themes & Linking Poems

Nurse’s Song (Innocence): Themes & Linking Poems

Sure, understood. Here is a reorganized list:

Key Themes & Connections in Blake’s ‘Nurse’s Song (Innocence)’

  • Blur between dream and reality: Blake presents a world where natural and supernatural elements blend, encapsulating the childlike wonder of innocence.
  • Natural Innocence: Children are depicted as possessing an innate innocence, strongly connected to nature and freedom.
  • Transition of Day to Night: Symbolizes transition from childhood and freedom to restrictions of adulthood.

Poetic Techniques in ‘Nurse’s Song (Innocence)’

  • Repetition: Adds emphasis and enhances the sing-song lullaby style.
  • Apostrophe: Direct address to ‘my heart’, evoking intimacy and emotion.

Understanding the plot of ‘Nurse’s Song (Innocence)’

  • Story of a nurse and children: The poem centers around a nurse watching over children in a pastoral setting.
  • Play until dusk: Children are allowed to play until evening, indicating freedom and enjoyment under supervision.

Important quotes from ‘Nurse’s Song (Innocence)’

  • “And laughing is heard on the hill”: Denotes freedom, happiness, and general positivity of childhood.
  • “And all the hills echo”: Repetition of ‘echo’ indicates natural harmony and joy.

Contextual Understanding of ‘Nurse’s Song (Innocence)’

  • Blake’s standpoint on Innocence: Blake’s songs of innocence, such as this one, depict a pastoral, joyful view of youth.
  • Connection with Romanticism: Incorporating elements of Romanticism, Blake’s poems emphasize emotion and the value of individuality and creativity.