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Ballad of Birmingham vs. Chimney Sweeper

Eighteenth century and modern day poetry, while remaining independent in their own right, address similar issues relating to the loss of childhood innocence. In both eras, the magnitude and severity maybe experessed differently with respect to the issues concerning violence, safety, and spirituality. Dudly Randall in his 1969 poem "Ballad of Birmingham" touches on the irony of the impetuous burdened mother trying to protect her child from the viciousness of the beast when, in fact, she sent her unkinowingly straight into the lions' den. However, the message by William Black in his 1789 poem "Chimney Sweeper" showa a parent's more uncaring in nature. IN this polished work, the parent realizes the idea of death is distained but not devasting, whereas death is uncertain in "Ballad of Birmingham".

R. Baxter Miller in his work of "modern Americhan Poetry" said "thus, there is no sanctuary in an evil world...and one may face horror in the street as well as in the church". This stat...

Posted by: Jason Cashmere

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