INTRODUCTION TO THE POEM “THE SCHOOL BOY” BY WILLIAM BLAKE

CONTENT

1. Poet’s Biography
2. Plot Analysis
3. Thematic Analysis
4. Language and Style

Poet’s Biography

William Blake was born in London on November 28 1757. From early childhood, William spoke of having visions. He leant to read and write at home. He began to paint at ten. Two years later, Blake began to write poetry. After a seven-year apprenticeship with an engraver, he studied briefly at the Royal Academy. Blake has many works to his credit. Poetic Sketches was published in 1783, Songs of Innocence in 1789 and many others.

Plot Analysis

The poet persona in this poem is a young boy who is so happy one fresh and delightful summer morning. He can hear the birds chirping in the bright clear morning. It is music to his ears. The hunter’s horn being blown from the distance mixed with the songs of the skylark give the morning a joyful gay ambience. The boy cannot but be happy in such a merry atmosphere. He exclaims: Oh!