Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience)
Poetry
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William Blake
Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Poem
Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience)
By William Blake
When the voices of children are heard on the green
And whisp’rings are in the dale,
The days of my youth rise fresh in my mind,
My face turns green and pale.
Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down,
And the dews of night arise;
Your spring and your day are wasted in play,
And your winter and night in disguise.
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Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Key Info
Title: Nurse’s Song
Author: William Blake (1757-1827)
Publication: In Blake’s collection, Songs of Experience, in 1789
Form: Two quatrains (four-line stanza)
Rhyme Scheme: In each stanza, the second and fourth lines rhyme: ABCB DEFE
Important Note: In the Innocence version of the poem, a nurse (who looks after the children) finds joy in watching the children play in a field at the end of the day....
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Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Summary
Background: "Nurse's Song" is a pair of poems by William Blake, one from his "Songs of Innocence" collection and the other from his "Songs of Experience" collection. Each poem presents a contrasting perspective on the role of a nurse and the theme of childhood innocence versus the harsh realities of experience. Here's a summary of "Nurse's Song of Experience":
Loss of Innocence: In "Nurse's Song o...
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Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Themes
Adult Cynicism vs. Childhood Innocence: In this poem from Songs of Experience, a nurse watches children playing outside. But instead of feeling happy, she feels sick and sad. Their play reminds her of her own childhood, which she does not remember with joy. She feels that childhood is not a time of happiness, but a waste of time that leads to a hard adult life.
The children are playing, but not lo...
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Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Literary Device
Symbols
Children: The children in the poem symbolize innocence and youth. In "Songs of Experience," they also represent vulnerability and the need for protection as they face the challenges of growing up.
Green Meadow: The green meadow symbolizes childhood's idyllic and carefree nature. It's a place of joy and play, contrasting with the world's harsh realities.
Sunset: The setting sun symbolizes t...
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Nurse’s Song (Songs of Experience) Quotes
Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down,
And the dews of night arise;
Exp: The lines symbolize the taking care of nurses to children, protection, and the natural transition from day to night.
“When voices of children are heard on the green,
And whisperings are in the dale,”
Exp: This line refers to soft sounds in a valley. It also displays a peaceful moment of chil...
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