The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake

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WARNING: This is not an episode for people who cannot handle the reality of the decisions that parents had to make during the early years of the industrial revolution.

On this episode I give you a history lesson on life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution, including a history of chimney sweepers.

Blake's poem can be seen simply as a tale of a young chimney sweeper who has a vision about an angel setting him and his friends free, and it can be seen as an indictment of the way we indoctrinate children.

Few poets have the ability to infuse the most simple poetry with a subtle power that can effect real change in the minds of individuals.