Why is the robin "sobbing" in Blake's "The Blossom"?

Question

Blake's "The Blossom", part of his *Songs of Innocence* [which you can read online](http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1934/1934-h/1934-h.htm), is a very short poem about a sparrow and a robin. The part about the robin reads as follows: > Pretty, pretty robin! Under leaves so green A happy blossom Hears you sobbing, sobbing, Pretty, pretty robin, Near my bosom. **Why is the robin "sobbing"?** Apart from that it (almost) rhymes with "robin", of course. Do the birds in this poem symbolise something else, perhaps something human? The part about a "cradle narrow" made me think of a baby, which could also fit with "sobbing", but then what's the difference between the sparrow and the robin - do they symbolise two different babies, or what?

Answer 1

One of William Blake's point of emphasis in his poetry, especially in Songs of Innocence was children. This volume of poetry was published in 1789 and focused on the experiences of children at that time. As Blake saw them, children were innocent creatures, blameless in the eyes of God, but suffered due to the rise of Industrialism and the exploitation of children in a growing economy that enough utilized their labor to the children's detriment. This poem, in particular, "The Blossom," is full of happy imagery of a beautiful summer day. However, there are darker things lurking under the surface. Many critics believe the two birds, the Robin and the Sparrow, both represent children, but with a stark difference. The Sparrow is believed to represent the upper class, while the Robin symbolizes the lower class. For anyone in the lower class of England at that time, life was harsh and dismal. This would have been especially true for children. A poor child at that time would have been subjected to poor health, malnutrition, lack of shelter, inadequate clothing, as well as exposure to criminals and anyone who wanted to prey on vulnerable children. Many poor children were orphans, often forced into workhouses, or recruited to work in factories, often under dangerous conditions. Many children who worked in these factories suffered horribly injuries, or even died. In addition, they worked long hours and had no time to run, play, or do any of the things that children should be able to do. The Robin sobs because it is unable to enjoy the delights of fun and frolic. It's innocence has been stripped away, and all that is left is misery. Also, possibly symbolic in the Robin's experience is that a Robin is most often seen in the winter, so the Robin may be missing the joys and easier living that summer brings. Sadly, the Robin has lost the innocence and joy of life, much like the poor children Blake felt so sorry for.