“Infant Sorrow” by William Blake: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

“Infant Sorrow” by William Blake, first published in 1794 in his collection “Songs of Experience” is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of innocence, suffering, and the complexities of growing up. Through its vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem conveys the pain and struggle of leaving childhood innocence behind, embracing the darkness and uncertainty of adulthood. The qualities of the poem include its use of powerful metaphors, rich symbolism, and a haunting tone that evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection.

Text: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Annotations: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Text	Annotation
My mother groand! my father wept.	The poem starts with the infant’s birth, and the parents’ emotional response. The use of “groand” instead of “groaned” creates a sense of intensity and anguish.
Into the dangerous world I leapt:	The infant is thrust into the world, which is portrayed as “dangerous”, indicating the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Helpless, naked, piping loud;	The infant is vulnerable (“helpless” and “naked”) and cries out loudly (“piping loud”), emphasizing their dependence on others.
Like a fiend hid in a cloud.	The infant is compared to a “fiend” (a malevolent being), suggesting the idea that even in innocence, there is a hint of darkness or unknown potential. The “cloud” may symbolize the unknown or the sublime.
Struggling in my fathers hands:	The infant is now in the father’s care, and is “struggling”, indicating a desire for autonomy and freedom.
Striving against my swaddling bands:	The infant is fighting against the constraints of their swaddling clothes, symbolizing the desire to break free from restrictions.
Bound and weary I thought best	The infant is tired and restricted (“bound”), and decides it’s best to…
To sulk upon my mothers breast.	…return to the comfort and security of the mother’s embrace, suggesting a desire for comfort and protection.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Device	Example	Explanation
2. Allusion	“fiend” (a reference to demonic or evil beings)	Draws on cultural knowledge to add depth and meaning.
3. Anaphora	“Struggling…Striving”	Repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
4. Caesura	“Bound and weary I thought best / To sulk…”	Uses pauses within a line to create a sense of drama or emphasis.
5. Enjambment	“Into the dangerous world I leapt: / Helpless, naked, piping loud;”	Carries a sentence or phrase over to the next line without punctuation.
6. Enthalpy	“groand” (instead of “groaned”)	Creates a sense of intensity and anguish.
7. Hyperbole	“dangerous world”	Exaggerates the world’s perils for emphasis.
8. Imagery	“Helpless, naked, piping loud;”	Creates vivid sensory details, evoking a strong mental image.
9. Irony	“fiend” (a malevolent being) for an infant	Contrasts the infant’s innocence with a dark label.
10. Iambic Meter	Iambic tetrameter (four iambs per line)	Creates a rhythmic pattern, adding to the musical quality.
11. Metaphor	“Like a fiend hid in a cloud”	Compares the infant to a malevolent being, suggesting unknown potential.
12. Oxymoron	“helpless” and “piping loud”	Combines contrasting ideas, highlighting the infant’s vulnerability and cry.
13. Personification	“My mother groand! my father wept”	Gives emotions human-like qualities, emphasizing their intensity.
14. Personification	“swaddling bands”	Gives inanimate objects human-like qualities, emphasizing their restrictive nature.
15. Repetition	“Struggling…Striving”	Emphasizes the infant’s efforts and desires.
16. Rhyme	“wept”/”leapt”	Creates a musical quality and structural unity.
17. Simile	“Like a fiend”	Compares two things using “like” or “as.”
18. Symbolism	“cloud”	May represent the unknown, sublime, or divine.
19. Syntax	Inverted sentence structure	Creates a sense of drama and emphasis.
20. Tone	Melancholic and introspective	Evokes a somber and contemplative mood.

Themes: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

• Parental Anguish and Responsibility: The poem eloquently captures the emotional upheaval experienced by the parents upon the birth of their child. The lines “My mother groan’d! my father wept” depict the profound depth of their emotions, symbolizing the weight of responsibility and concern they bear for the well-being of their newborn. This theme highlights the sacrificial love and selflessness inherent in parental roles, where the joy of bringing new life into the world is tempered by the awareness of the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.
• Existential Struggle and Quest for Identity: Blake explores the innate human desire for identity and purpose amidst the uncertainties of existence. The imagery of the infant “leapt” into the “dangerous world” symbolizes the universal journey of self-discovery and the quest to find meaning in a world fraught with peril. This theme delves into the existential angst inherent in the human condition, as individuals navigate the complexities of life in search of their place in the universe.
• Innocence and Vulnerability: Through vivid imagery, the poem portrays the innocence and vulnerability of the newborn. Described as “helpless, naked, piping loud,” the infant embodies the pure essence of innocence, yet is starkly contrasted against the harshness of the world into which they are born. This theme underscores the fragility of human existence and the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, as individuals confront the challenges and adversities that shape their journey through life.
• Primal Bond and Resilience: Despite the initial struggles depicted in the poem, there is a profound portrayal of the primal bond between parent and child. The infant’s instinctual gravitation towards the mother’s breast signifies the innate connection between parent and child, symbolizing the transformative power of love and nurture in fostering resilience and growth. This theme highlights the resilience inherent in the human spirit, as individuals draw strength from the support and care of their loved ones to overcome the obstacles they encounter on their journey through life.

Literary Theories and “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Literary Theory	Reference from the Poem	Explanation
Psychoanalytic	“Struggling in my father’s hands: / Striving against my swaddling bands:”	This theory focuses on the unconscious and childhood experiences. The speaker’s struggle against the father’s hands and swaddling bands can be seen as a representation of the Oedipus complex.
Marxist	“Into the dangerous world I leapt: / Helpless, naked, piping loud;”	This theory examines the social and economic context of a text. The speaker’s entrance into the “dangerous world” can be seen as a commentary on the harsh realities of life and the vulnerability of the individual in a capitalist society.
Feminist	“My mother groand! my father wept. / … / To sulk upon my mother’s breast.”	This theory focuses on gender roles and relationships. The speaker’s description of the mother’s pain and the father’s emotional response can be seen as a commentary on the gendered experiences of childbirth and parenting. The speaker’s ultimate comfort on the mother’s breast can be seen as a symbol of the nurturing and life-giving qualities associated with femininity.
Postcolonial	“Like a fiend hid in a cloud.”	This theory examines the relationships between cultures and empires. The speaker’s comparison to a “fiend” can be seen as a commentary on the Othering of individuals and the fear of the unknown. The image of the “cloud” can be seen as a symbol of the unknown or the sublime, representing the speaker’s entrance into a new and unfamiliar world.

Critical Questions about “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

• How does “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake explore the complexities of parental love and responsibility?
• The poem delves into the profound emotional landscape of parenthood, encapsulating the tumultuous mix of love, anguish, and responsibility experienced by parents upon the birth of their child. Blake vividly portrays this complexity through the lines “My mother groan’d! my father wept,” illustrating the intense emotions evoked by the arrival of new life. These expressions of parental distress highlight the weight of responsibility and concern for the well-being of the infant, underscoring the sacrificial nature of parental love. Through this portrayal, Blake invites readers to contemplate the depth of parental devotion and the inherent challenges of nurturing and protecting a new life amidst the uncertainties of the world.
• In what ways does “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake delve into the existential struggles of human existence?
• “Infant Sorrow” offers a poignant exploration of the existential journey undertaken by individuals as they navigate the complexities of life and strive to find meaning amidst the uncertainties of existence. The imagery of the infant “leapt” into the “dangerous world” vividly captures the universal experience of being thrust into the unknown, symbolizing the inherent risks and challenges inherent in the human condition. Through this portrayal, Blake invites readers to contemplate the existential angst and quest for identity that define the human experience, as individuals grapple with the complexities of life in search of purpose and fulfillment.
• How does “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake depict the delicate balance between innocence and vulnerability?
• Blake masterfully portrays the fragility of innocence and vulnerability through vivid imagery in “Infant Sorrow.” The description of the infant as “helpless, naked, piping loud” evokes a sense of raw vulnerability, highlighting the stark contrast between the purity of innocence and the harshness of the world into which the child is born. This juxtaposition underscores the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience inherent in the human condition, as individuals confront the challenges and adversities that shape their journey through life. Through this lens, Blake invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human vulnerability and the transformative power of resilience in the face of adversity.
• In what ways does “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake explore the primal bonds of love and resilience?
• “Infant Sorrow” illuminates the primal bonds of love and resilience that define the human experience, particularly within the context of familial relationships. Despite the initial struggles depicted in the poem, the infant’s instinctual gravitation towards the mother’s breast symbolizes the profound connection between parent and child, underscoring the transformative power of love and nurture in fostering resilience and growth. This portrayal highlights the resilience inherent in the human spirit, as individuals draw strength from the support and care of their loved ones to overcome the obstacles they encounter on their journey through life. Through this exploration, Blake invites readers to contemplate the enduring power of love and the profound impact of familial bonds in shaping our lives and identities.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Essay Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
1. The Poem as a Psychological Exploration	How does the poem explore the psychological experience of birth and infancy?	“Through its use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, ‘Infant Sorrow’ reveals the trauma and disorientation of birth, highlighting the infant’s struggle for autonomy and self-expression.”
2. The Role of Family and Relationships	What do the mother, father, and infant represent in the poem, and how do their relationships shape the speaker’s experience?	“The poem portrays the mother as a source of comfort and nurturing, the father as a symbol of authority and restriction, and the infant as a struggling individual seeking autonomy, highlighting the complex dynamics of family relationships.”
3. The Poem as a Social Commentary	How does the poem comment on the social and cultural context of its time?	“Through its depiction of the ‘dangerous world’ and the infant’s vulnerability, ‘Infant Sorrow’ critiques the harsh realities of life in the late 18th century, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding.”
4. The Use of Imagery and Symbolism	How do the poem’s images and symbols contribute to its meaning and themes?	“The poem’s imagery and symbolism, particularly the ‘cloud’ and ‘fiend’ metaphors, create a rich and complex exploration of the human experience, revealing the speaker’s fears, desires, and struggles for self-expression.”

Literary Works Similar to “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

1. “On My First Son” by Ben Jonson: Like “Infant Sorrow,” this poem explores the theme of parental grief and the profound emotional impact of losing a child. Jonson mourns the death of his son and grapples with the fragility of life and the enduring bond between parent and child.
2. “The Sick Rose” by William Blake: Another work by Blake, “The Sick Rose,” delves into themes of innocence, corruption, and the transient nature of life. It explores the vulnerability of purity and the destructive forces that threaten it, much like the vulnerability depicted in “Infant Sorrow.”
3. “A Lullaby” by W. H. Auden: This poem, like “Infant Sorrow,” explores the primal bond between parent and child. It depicts the soothing and protective role of the parent as they comfort and care for their infant, highlighting themes of love, nurture, and the vulnerability of innocence.
4. “The Little Black Boy” by William Blake: In this poem, Blake explores themes of innocence, race, and spirituality. It centers around a conversation between a black child and his mother, highlighting the child’s innocent understanding of God’s love and the universal desire for acceptance and equality.
5. “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke: This poem delves into the complexities of the father-child relationship, much like the exploration of parental love and responsibility in “Infant Sorrow.” Through vivid imagery and conflicting emotions, Roethke captures the bittersweet dynamics between father and child, portraying both love and the strain of familial bonds.

Suggested Readings: “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

• Blake, William. “Infant Sorrow.” Songs of Innocence and Experience. Dover Publications, 1992.
• Bender, John, and Anne Mellor. “Liberating the Sister Arts: The Revolution of Blake’s” Infant Sorrow”.” ELH 50.2 (1983): 297-319.
• SIMPSON, MATT. “Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience.’” Critical Survey, vol. 4, no. 1, 1992, pp. 22–27. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41555619. Accessed 6 May 2024.
• Wagenknecht, David. “Mimicry against Mimesis in ‘Infant Sorrow’: Seeing through Blake’s Image with Adorno and Lacan.” Studies in Romanticism, vol. 41, no. 2, 2002, pp. 317–48. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/25601561. Accessed 6 May 2024.
• The William Blake Archive: http://www.blakearchive.org
• “Understanding ‘Infant Sorrow'”: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43663/infant-sorrow
• “Analysis of ‘Infant Sorrow'”: https://www.gradesaver.com/songs-of-innocence-and-of-experience/study-guide/summary-infant-sorrow

Representative Quotations “Infant Sorrow” by William Blake

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“My mother groand! my father wept.”	The speaker describes their birth and the emotional response of their parents.	Psychoanalytic: This quotation highlights the intense emotions associated with childbirth and the speaker’s entrance into the world. The mother’s “groand” and father’s “wept” suggest a primal and emotional response, underscoring the idea that birth is a traumatic event.
“Into the dangerous world I leapt:”	The speaker describes their entrance into the world, emphasizing its dangers.	Marxist: This quotation highlights the idea that the world is a hostile and unforgiving place, particularly for the vulnerable and powerless. The speaker’s “leapt” into the world suggests a sudden and violent entrance, underscoring the idea that birth is a traumatic and disorienting experience.
“Like a fiend hid in a cloud.”	The speaker compares themselves to a malevolent being, suggesting their own sense of fear and disorientation.	Postcolonial: This quotation highlights the idea that the speaker feels like an outsider or an Other, comparing themselves to a “fiend” and hiding in a “cloud”. This suggests a sense of dislocation and disorientation, underscoring the idea that birth is a disorienting and traumatic experience.
“To sulk upon my mothers breast.”	The speaker describes their desire to return to the comfort and security of their mother’s breast.	Feminist: This quotation highlights the idea that the mother’s breast represents a source of comfort, security, and nurturing. The speaker’s desire to “sulk” on their mother’s breast suggests a desire to return to a state of dependence and vulnerability, underscoring the idea that birth is a traumatic and disorienting experience.