social criticism as reflected by william blake's
TRANSCRIPT
SOCIAL CRITICISM AS REFLECTED BY WILLIAM
BLAKE’S SELECTED POEMS
THESIS Submitted to the Board of Examiners
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for
Literature Degree at English Literature Department
By
MONALISA
NIM.AI.150315
ADAB AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
THE STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
SULTHAN THAHA SAIFUDDIN JAMBI
2019
MOTTO
حيم حمن الره الره بسم للاه
ة يدعىن إلى الخير ويأمرون ببلمعروف وينهىن عه المنكر ولتكه منكم أم
ئك هم المفلحىن وأول1
―And let there be among you a community calling to virtue, and
advocating righteousness, and deterring from evil. These are the
succesful‖.2
―Dan hendaklah diantara kamu ada segolongan orang yang menyeru
kepada kebajikan, menyuruh berbuat yang makruf, dan mencegah dari
yang mungkar. Dan mereka itulah orang-orang yang beruntunng‖.3
1 Alqur’an dan Terjemahannya “Sepecial for woman”. Surah Ali-Imran :104. p.63
2 Al-Qur’an Arabic and English Translation. Surah Ali-Imran Ayat 104
3 Alqur’an dan Terjemahannya “Sepecial for woman”. Surah Ali-Imran :104. p.63
DEDICATION
حيم حمن الره الره بسم للاه
In the name of Allah SWT for the blessing and the merciful, with deep thanks and
proud, sholawat to the prophet Muhammad SAW, his coming really changed the
world.
Special thanks to:
My parents, my beloved father (Bandung) and my beloved mother (Badria) who
always give me everlasting love, guidance, motivation and praying.
My beloved old brothers (Syamsuddin and Abdul Kadir) and my beloved old
sister (Dahlisa) thanks for your support and praying.
My big family who has support me in finishing this thesis
My beloved friends (Mahya, Dayah, Ina, Lusi, and Rika) thanks for your support,
suggestion, and motivation.
My friends English Literature 2015. Especially class A thanks for your kindness,
supports, and togetherness during my study at English Literature department.
May Allah Subhanahu Wata‘ala bless us.
Amin Ya Robbal ‗Alamin.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
حيم حمن الره الره بسم للاه
Firstly, the writer would like to say Alhamdullilahirabil‟alamin, all the
praise to Allah SWT the lord of all creatures, for His Blessing from the starting
point of my study until now the end of my study. After that, Shalawat and salam
be upon to our Prophet Muhammad SAW, hopefully we will get His syafa‟at later
at The Last Day.To accomplish this thesis, the writer had been given one great
deal to many people. So, the writer would like to say thanks for their contribution,
they are:
1. Prof. Dr. H. Su‘aidi Asy‘ari, MA,. Ph.D as the rector of the State Islamic
University of Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi.
2. Prof. Dr. Maisah, M.Pd. I as the dean of Adab and Humanities Faculty.
3. Dr. Alfian, S.Pd, M.Ed as the first Dean of Academic. Dr. H. M. Fadil,
M.Ag as the second Dean of Finances, and Dr. Roudhoh, S.Ag., M.Pd.I as
the third Dean of University Student of Adab and Humanities Faculty.
4. The Head of English Literature Department Ulfatmi Azlan, SS., MA and
The secretary of English Literature Department Dian Mukhlisa, MA.
5. My supervisors Bahren, S.S, M.A and Chandri Febri Santi, M.Pd I would
like to express deepest gratitude to people who helped the writer in
accomplishing this thesis. I would like to thanks a lotto helped, adused,
supported and suggested me in writing this thesis and finish this thesis.
ABSTRACT
Monalisa, 2019: Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake‘s selected poems.
English literature Department Adab and Humanities Faculty,
The State Islamic University Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi.
Supervisor I : Bahren, S.S. M.A
Supervisor II : Chandri Febri Santi, M.Pd
This study discusses social criticism in literary works, poem by William
Blake. Which poem that the writer wants to analyze is based on the real-life of the
author. The purpose of this study is (1) to find social criticism in William Blake's
poems (2) to find out the problems social criticism in William Blake's poems
based. This writer uses the descriptive qualitative method.
In this research, the writer uses Expressive theory and social criticism theory
to support the writing of this thesis. In addition, the writer also uses a sociological
approach. Data sources from this research are some poems by William Blake in
which there are social criticisms, namely: Earth‘s Answer, The Little Black Boy,
The Chimney Sweeper, and London.
From the results of this study, the writer finds four problems of social
criticism that exist in William Blake's poems: (1) social criticism of gender issues
in the Earth Answer poem, in which the poetry describes the suffering of women
(2) social criticism of moral problems in the poem Little Black boy, who explains
the difference in skin color between white people and black people (3) social
criticism of technological problems in the poem The Chimney Sweeper, which
explains the suffering of children due to technological progress (4) social criticism
of economic problems in London poem, which explains about the economic
decline of the community at that time.
Keywords: Social criticism, Literary work, Poem, Expressive theory
ABSTRAK
Monalisa, 2019: Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake‘s selected poems.
English literature Department Adab and Humanities Faculty,
The State Islamic University Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi.
Supervisor I : Bahren, S.S. M.A
Supervisor II : Chandri Febri Santi, M.Pd
Penelitian ini membahas tentang kritik sosial yang ada didalam karya sastra
yaitu puisi karya William blake. Yang mana puisi yang ingin dianalisis penulis ini
berdasarkan kehidupan nyata dari pengarang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah (1)
untuk menemukan kritik sosial yang ada didalam puisi karya William Blake (2)
untuk mengetahui masalah kritik sosial yang ada didalam puisi karya William
blake. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif descriptive.
Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan teori ekspressive dan teori social
criticism untuk mendukunng penulisan thesis ini. Selain itu penulis juga
menggunakan pendekatan sosiologi. Sumber data dari penelitian ini adalah
beberapa puisi karya William Blake yang didalamnya terdapat kritik sosial, yaitu:
Earth‘s Answer, The Little Black Boy, The Chimney Sweeper, dan London.
Dari hasil penelitian ini, penulis menemukan empat masalah kritik sosial yang
ada didalam puisi karya William Blake: (1) kritik sosial masalah gender didalam
puisi Earth Answer, yang mana puisi tersebut menjelaskan tentang penderitaan
para wanita (2) kritik sosial masalah moral didalam puisi The Little Black boy,
yang menjelaskan tentang perbedaan warna kulit antara orang kulit putih dan
orang kulit hitam (3) kritik sosial masalah teknologi didalam puisi The Chimney
Sweeper, yang menjelaskan tentang penderitaan anak masyarakat akibat kemajuan
teknologi (4) kritik sosial masalah ekonomi didalam puisi London, yang
menjelaskan tentang menurunnya ekonomi masyarakat pada masa itu.
Kata kunci: Kritik sosial, Karya sastra, Puisi, Teori ekspressive
TABLE OF CONTENT
COVER....................................................................................................................i
APPROVAL..................................... .....................................................................ii
LETTER OF RATIFICATION...........................................................................iii
ORIGINAL THESIS STATEMENT..................................................................iv
MOTTO..................................................................................................................v
DEDICATION.......................................................................................................vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...................................................................................vii
ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................ix
ABSTRAK..............................................................................................................x
TABLE OF CONTENT........................................................................................xi
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Problem……………………………………………..1
B. Formulation of the Problem………...…………………………………...4
C. Limitation of the Problem………………...…………………………….4
D. Purpose of the Research...........................................................................4
E. Significance of the Research……………………………………………5
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Expressive Theory...................................................................................6
B. Sociological Approach.............................................................................8
C. Poem......................................................................................................10
D. Social Criticism......................................................................................11
E. England Social Life History...................................................................18
F. Review of Related Research...................................................................21
CHAPTER III METHOD OF RESEARCH
A. Design of Research................................................................................ 24
B. Source of Data........................................................................................25
C. Technique of Data Collection................................................................ 25
D. Technique of Data Analysis.................................................................. 26
CHAPTER IV FINDING AND ANALYSIS
A. Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake's Selected Poems .....28
1.The Social Criticism on the Situation of Women..............................28
2.The Social Criticism on the Difference between Black and White...29
3. The Social Criticism on the Industrial Revolution............................31
4. The Social Criticism on the Destitution and Slavery........................32
B. The Problems of Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake's
Poems...................................................................................................33
1. Social Criticism of Economic Problems…..……………............…33
2. Social Criticism of Moral Problems………….................…….…...35
3. Social Criticism of Gender Issues............…………………..……..36
4. Social Criticism of Technological Problems………………………38
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion........................,....................................................................41
B. Suggestion.............................................................................................42
REFERENCESS
APPENDIX1
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 3
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Problem
Human beings are created by God in different traits. It can be seen
from the physic, character and so forth. When humans are born, they can
not choose their physical shape, and skin color and they also can not
determine the life that they want, because this is God's gift and destiny.
God also created a human condition with different goals. The differences
are not a matter that makes people think their race is higher than other
races, but these differences should be understood as a diversity so that
people can learn and know each other ethnicity or race.
In this life, humans are encouraged to interact and communicate with
others, because humans are destined to socialize and to help one another.
By communicating we can more easily be heard and understood by others
in the literature. One way to communicate is to create literary works.
Literature is the result of human experience. It is influenced by the
feeling of the human experience of their daily life. The human experience
is affective and symbolic; literature, which uses affect and symbol, it can
represent as we genuinely experience and imagine it. It means literature
represents and explores human experience in society, so between human
and experience are inseparable, It was supported by Moody who said that
literature spring from our inborn love of telling the story, of arranging
words in pleasing patterns, of expressing in words some special aspect of
our human experience.4 The human experience can be both good and bad
in daily life. Many lessons about human life experiences that can inspire
the birth of a literary work which eventually served as a medium for
express aspirations, ideas, ideas or advice. Finally, it is useful when
applied in everyday life, for example, is poem.
4 Moody. The Teaching of Literature in Developing Countries. London: Longman Group
Ltd. 1971. p. 4
Poem is the tool to express the human feeling and sense that used
selected language as a media to explore and filed up with figurative
language and another element to beautify the tone, rhyme, and another
aspect which make the poem more interest. Poem deals with the deepest
emotions, it seeks to capture in a few linguistics sign the realities of life.
Poem can be analyzed from many aspects like structure and its elements,
styles, and point of view of the story. Poem appears and created by poet
illustrates the human life which is explored by using some figures of
speech.
Poem is arranged by a good and a bright thinking. Pradopo said
―puisi itu mengekspresikan pemikiran yang membangkitkan perasaan yang
merangsang imajinasi panca indra dalam susunan yang berirama”.5 So
that poem is an experience that is explored in the beautiful words with
many poetic elements like figurative language or another speech act like
rhyme, tone, thyme, and symbol.
Reading a poem, we will discover ourselves and our world,
expressing the fact of art and imagination as a human life manifestation
with language as medium and have a positive effect on human life
(humanity), writers of literature want to express their ideas, feeling,
emotion or imagination in their mind so reader will feel what the writers
feel and the last side reader can take what is the meaning of it. Poem helps
us learn more about human life, understands how human character and
emotion are influenced by natural surroundings. Understanding more
about a particular life, like social, culture, politic, and education.
A poem written by a poet is also inseparable from the situation to
do social criticism. According to Kleden, puisi ditulis dengan dua alasan,
pertama, dorongan hati seorang penyair untuk mengejawantahkan
kemampuan mencipta; kedua, dimanfaatkan karena kemungkinan sifat
puitis yang ada padanya sebagai medium untuk menyampaikan sesuatu
5 Rachmat Djoko Pradopo. Pengkajian Puisi. Yogyakarta: Gajah Mada University. 2005.
p.7
yang lain.6 In this case, poetry is used the poet to convey criticism of
events that occur in society. The delivery becomes effective because of the
evocative stimulation owned by each poem, that is, stimulates the
emergence of certain feelings and images in the reader who moves him to
take a stand.
Sociological criticism is literary criticism directed to understanding
(or placing) literature in its larger social context; it codifies the literary
strategies that are employed to represent social constructs through a
sociological methodology.This form of literary criticism was introduced
by Kenneth Burke, a 20th-century literary and critical theorist, whose
article "Literature As Equipment for Living" outlines the specification and
significance of such a critique.7
The selection of social criticism is the main problem in this study
can not be separated from the literary role that cannot be underestimated in
voicing criticism of social conditions in society. In this case, then it
becomes a group that builds awareness of the public so as not to remain
silent about the injustice, moral decadence, and social problems around
them. This is according to Mahayana's opinion, which states that literary
creative freedom is embodied in the form of literary works that describe
oppression, moral depravity, or social criticism as a form of literary social
responsibility.
Based on the background above, the writer is interested to analyze
a study on William Blake's poems, because the writer thinks William
Blake‘s poems is good and gives her inspiration. By reading poem, we will
find more information about social which plays an important role in our
lives. Therefore, it means that it can be drawn so many lessons that the
author provides for the reader through the poems
6
Kleden. Sastra Indonesia dalam Enam Pertanyaan: Esai-Esai Sastra dan Budaya.
Jakarta: Pustaka Utama Grafiti. 2004.p.277
7Kenneth Burke. Literature as Equipment for Living. Critical Theory Since Plato. New
York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1971
The writer is also interested in William Blake‘s literary work
because William Blake‘s poems describes human life and contains social
values. Based on the background above, the author chooses the title of this
research with the titleof “Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake‘s
selected Poems‖.
B. Formulation of the Problem
Based on the background of the problem above, there are some
problems that the writer wants to answer in this research.
1. What are the social criticism as reflected by William Blake‘s selected
poems?
2. What the problems of social criticism as reflected by William Blake.s
poems?
C. Limitation of the Problem
William Blake has written many literary works, especially in poem.
To limit the analysis, the writer only analyzes social criticism from the
selected poems ― Song Of innocence and experience‖ by William Blake
namely: ―Earth‘s Answer, The Little Black Boy, The Chimney Sweeper,
and London‖ . I choose those four poems because it seems like those
poems have interesting social criticism.
D. Purpose of the Study
Based on the formulation of the problem above, the writer writes the
purpose of this study as follows:
1. To find out the social criticism as reflected by William Blake‘s selected
poems.
2. To find out the problems of social criticism as reflected by William
Blake‘s selected poems.
E. Significance of the Study
The writer hopes that the result of this study gives a contribution to
her self, society, the readers and the next researcher to understand literary
work. Besides that, the writer also hopes that the study will be interesting
for another researcher who analyzes a literary work. Practically, this
research is beneficial for the reader to get more understanding about social
criticism as reflected by William Blake's selected poems.
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Expressive Theory
In this research, the writer analyzes about the reflection of the author‘s
life as seen her selected poems. Expressive theory is meaning of something
that relates to research. Because of that, the writer chooses the expressive
theory for this research after that the writer analyzed it to find the answer of
the research.
Longinus stated that Untuk menciptakan karya agung yang terpenting
adalah unsur kreatif penulis; passion and emotion.8 From that statement it
can be concluded to get good literary work is depend on the writer itself, the
important thing is the element of creativity of the writer such as her passion
and her emotion.
Andrew stated that the idea of the author is not a timeless given: the
figure and significance of the author varies across time and from one culture
to another, from one discourse to another and so on.9 It means that
expressive theory is analyzing about activity creative of human being, from
their imagination, develop and through to become an art.
Expressive theory treats a literary work primarily in relation to the
author. It defines literary work as an expression, overflow, utterance, or
projection of the though and feeling, or as the products of human feelings.10
Here, the writer decided to use expressive theory because it is suitable with
the research that will be analyzed about the author‘s life with the poem
itself. According to Abrams In Partini Sardjono Pradotokusumo‘s book:
8 Longinus in Partini Sardjono Pradotokusumo. (2005). Pengkajian Sastra. (Jakarta:
Penerbit PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama). 72. 9 Andrew Bennett and Nicholas Royle. (2004). An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and
Theory. (Great Britain). Third Edition, 22. 10
M.H.Abrams. (1999). Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition, (London, New York:
Oxford University).p.22
―pendekatan kritis yang terkandung yang utama terhadap karya
sastra yaitu : 1). Pendekatan yang menitikberatkan pada karrya itu
sendiri (pendekatan objektif. 2). Pendekatan yang menitikberatkan
pada penulis (pendekatan ekspresif). 3). Pendekatan yang
menitikberatkan pada semesta (pendekatan mimetic)”11
.
Based on means that expressive theory is theory that focus on the writer
or the author itself and usually the story tells about the author life that has
happened in the past event and the author through their life to the literary
work such as the selected poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning that will be
analyzed, because some of the poems by Elizabeth is reflect of the her life.
According to Gerry Mackie said:
―Expressive theory studies the psychological aspects of the writer
during the creative process is projected through the works of creation,
both of in the relation to the writer as a person and the writer as a
representative of the community to choice in many circumstances of
life‖12
.
From explanation above, expression theory treats literary work
primarily in relation to the author. It defines poem as an expressive, or
overflow, or utterance of feeling. As a type, as well as those associated with
the creative process by which this occurred.
Here, the writer analyze about social criticism as reflected by William
Blake‘s selected poems. Where expressive theory focuses on the writer or
the author itself usually the story tells about the author‘s life that has
happened in the past event and the author through her life to the literary
work such as William Blake‘s poems. This theory is very suitable with this
research because this research tells about the reflection of the author‘s life
and one of the experiences of the author.
11
Pradopokusumo Partini Sardjono. (2005). Pengkajian Sastra”, (Jakarta: Gramedia). p.63 12
Gerry Mackie (2007). On The Expressive Theory Of Voting, (University Of California,
Sandiego). P.2.
B. Sociological Approach
Approach is one of important things to analyze a literary work. In
Oxford dictionary explain, ―approach is the way of dealing with
something‖13
it means, in analyzing a literary work have correlation with
what will be analyzed by using approach. In this research, sociological
approach analyzes a society by using the process of understandingeach
other.
Through literary works, the authors express his problem and
sometimes participate in it. Literary works is influenced by society and
able to give effect to the public and society will determine the value of
literary works that live in an age, while the poet himself who is a member
of the public who can not escape from the influence it received from the
environment that raised him.
According to Atar Semi, ―Pendekatan sosiologis juga
dimanfaatkan untuk mengkaji mengenai masyarakat yang digambarkan
didalam karya sastra”14
it can be concluded that approach is a basic
assumption hold in looking at an object with choice of approach in a
study, criticism or research may help direct further investigation or
research that is sharper and deeper. Because this research from social
view, so sociological approach is chosen by the writer.
Sociological approach analyzes human in society. Literature could
reflect an expression of human life which can not be separated from the
roots of society. Sociological approach is important role in literary works.
It is caused by the relation between literary work and society. Actually the
literary works were created by authors and the authors are a member of
society and exploite their riches in society.
13Oxford Learner‟s Pocket Dictionary.2005.p18
14M.Atar Semi. Metode Penelitian Sastra. Angkasa: Bandung.2012.p94
According to Nyoman Khuta Ratna in his book, ―Pendekatan
sosiologis menganalisis manusia dalam masyarakat”.15
It means that
sociological approach has implication like based understanding about
human life in society. It means that sociological analyzes everything that
sociology does in order to describe and understand of social and moral
criticism.
This study analyzes Social Criticism in William Blake‘s selected
poems by Sociological approach. Sociologi is explained that most literary
study of companionship quoted in Burns. Other conception came from
Wellek and Warren who describe the most common approach to the
relations of literature as social documents, as the portraits of social reality.
Therefore, literature can be made to yield the outlines of social history if it
is used in social document. It portraits many aspects of social
structure, family relationship, class friction, and so on. Laurenson and
Swingewood state sociology of literature is one ofliterary approaches
which can beapplied in the study of literary work. Sociology of literature
is basically aimed to analyze literary works in terms of the author‘s social
status, the availability of the markets, the stipulation of type of publication,
and also the structure of the readers.16
Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior in society or
social forces that influence that behavior. It focuses in influence of social
relationship, as filed the study sociology has extremely broad scope.
It is concerned about love, discrimination, community, feeling, and
culture and confirming. From the goal of sociology is as an instrument is
social relationship of human life and to the literary.
15Nyoman Kutha Ratna. Teori, Metode, dan Teknik Penelitian Sastra. P.65
16Hafid Muhadi. Social Criticism Of Bob Dylans‟s Song Lyrics: A Sociological Study of
Literature. Surakarta: Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta. 2014.p.4
C. Poem
Poem is a part of literary work; poem describes a wide variety of
spoken and written forms styles, styles, and patterns, and also a wide
variety of subject. Because of the variety, it is not possible to make a
single, comprehensive definition. The poem is arranged in lines, but does
not follow measured rhythmical patterns, nor does it rhytme. The most
important thing about it is that, as it engages us and amuses us, it also
rings of truth.
According to Riffaterre in Pradopo, ―Poem is indirect expression,
meaning that is describe something by using connotative meaning. Then
indirect expression caused by displacing of meaning, distorting of meaning
and creative of meaning.‖17
Frost in Arp Thomas‘s book stated that,
―Poem is provides the one permissible way of saying one thing and
meaning another‖.18
From explanation above, the writer can take assumption that, the
poem is not only a tool to express the human‘s ideas. But also often
teaches the readers a moral lesson, share something that have experienced,
and give pleasure to the readers. Indirectly, poem is enable the readers to
look ‗into the life of things‘, while science sharpens our intellect, poem
enriches our moral insight.
There are some kinds of poem, those are:
a. Descriptive
Descriptive poem is the poem which describes people or
experiences, scenes, or objects.
b. Reflective
17
Pradopo. (2007). Pengajian Puisi. (Yogyakarta: University Press). P.77. 18
Thomas. (2012). Perrine‟s Sound and Sense: an Introduction to Poetry. (Boson: Printed
in the United State of America).P.72.
Thoughtful poems often containing a great deal of description
which the poet comments or from which he draws conclusion are
directly stated; at other times implied.
c. Narrative
Narrative is a telling of a story or a description of an event.
d. The lyric
The lyric is usually a short poems like a song which is usually the
expression of a mood or feeling.
e. The sonnet
The sonnet is a poem of fourteen lines which follows a very strict
rhyme pattern. It is usually divided into two parts: the ‗octave‘ (the first
eight lines), and ‗sestet‘ (the last six lines).
D. Social Criticism
Social aspect is point of view about social condition in society.
Istilah sosial pada ilmu-ilmu sosial mempunyai arti yang berbeda dengan
istilah sosialisme atau istilah sosial pada departemen sosial. Istilah sosial
pada ilmu-ilmu sosial menunjuk pada objeknya yaitu masyarakat.19
From the definition above. It could be seen that social object is
society. Social science those field of learning and research that are
primarily concerned with human relationship. From the definition, it could
be seen that social related to society. The object of social sciences are
society that occurred the human relationship in society. According to
Herman J. Waluyo:
―Kritik sosial adalah sebuah tema dalam karya sastra tentang
adanya ketidakadilan dalam masyarakat, dengan tujuan untuk mengetuk
nurani pembaca agar keadilan sosial ditegakkan dan diperjuangkan.
Kritik sosial adalah sanggahan terhadap hal-hal yang dianggap
menyalahi aturan, hukum dan tata nilai yang sudah menjadi konvensi
umum. Kritik sosial dalam karya sastra adalah sarana pengarang untuk
19
The Ensyclopedia Americana. Crolier incorporated. USA: 1995,p.130
menyampaikan ketidakpuasannya terhadap sendi-sendi kehidupan
masyarakat”20
.
From the definition above, it can be concluded that social criticism
is a criticism, suggestion, protest, satire, respon, or evaluation of
something that is deemed deviant or violates the values that exist in
people‘s live. Good social criticism always wants improvement and
usually associated with the need for an ideal situation and your ideal. This
matter indicates the existence of social change in a community context.
Thus, social criticism can also be a means of social control of the way
community systems and processes so that community members can
respect and car about social process in accordance with existing norms and
values.
Social criticism is one form of social control in society. Social
criticism can be interpreted as something form of communication in
society which aims to describe, convey, control and critize a social reality
society. The function of social criticism is as controllers and benchmarks
related to social reality occur in society.
Social criticism has been expressed through literature for centuries,
taking various forms depending on how acceptable it was to criticize the
state of the world at various times. Naturally, works of literature that
contain social criticism are strongly linked to the time in which they were
written. In some cases, it is even necessary to study the time in which the
texts were written in order to understand their arguments at all. However,
there are some cases where it might be relevant to study how the
manifestation of social criticism in earlier works of literature has affected
subsequent works.21
20Herman. J. Waluyo. Teori dan Apresiasi Puisi.p.119
21Lundborg Matilda. Wonder in London Below: Comparison of G.K. Chesterton‟s the
Napoleon of Nothing Hill and Neil Gaiman‟s Neverwhere. Lund University. 2012.p.1
The form of the delivery of social criticism in literary works can be
both direct and indirect. Directly the reader can see the criticism that the
author wishes to convey. Indirectly, the message is implicit in the story, so
the reader must interpret what is meant by the author himself.22
1. Form of Direct Submission
The form of direct delivery using a description or explanation.
With this description technique, the reader does not need to be difficult
to interpret the message conveyed by the author through his work,
because the author directly describes social criticism, in this case, the
author is patronizing the reader, giving advice, and advice.
2. Indirect Delivery Forms
The author does not convey the message in his work directly. This
message is only implicit in the story, combined, coherence with other
elements of the story. To be able to understand the message that the
author wants to convey, the reader must interpret what the author
intends for himself. This form of delivery is indeed considered less
communicative, because the reader may not necessarily be able to grasp
what is meant by the author. The possibility of misinterpretation has a
great chance.
However, this is considered normal in a literary work, even
considered as the essence of a literary work, which is an indirect
expression of something. Through this characteristic, literary works
have the opportunity to have a complexity of meaning. That fact is seen
as an advantage in literary works, that is, an advantage in terms of the
many possibilities of interpretation from one person to another, from
time to time.
22Burhan Nurgiyantoro. Teori Pengkajian Fiksi. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University
Press. 2000.p. 340-355
E. Problems of Social Criticism
According to Soekanto Social problem will arise if there is a
disharmony between the values and norms that apply to the reality that is
faced. The problem of social criticism is divided into nine aspects: social
criticism of political problems, social criticism of economic problems,
social criticism of educational problems, social criticism of cultural issues,
social criticism of moral problems, social criticism of family problems,
social criticism of religious issues, social criticism of gender issues, and
the last criticism of social technological problems.23
1.Social Criticism of Political Problems
Sumaadmaja said that humans are political beings because the
human can regulate welfare, security, and governance within the group.
Human is beings who can govern government and statehood. To
regulate his government, humans must implement an appropriate
mechanism so that there are no imbalances that will harm the
community.24
From the description above it can be concluded that social criticism
of political problems is a criticism that appears along with the
imbalance in political aspects which include influence, power, and
authority. Inequality can occur if political mechanisms are not
implemented according to the priority scale of each aspect.
2. Social Criticism of Economic Problems
According to Karl Marx, economics are the most dominant
determinant agent of society, more than the determinant, it is not
dominant. The economy becomes a very important community. The
economic level in this community is not evenly distributed. However,
economic compilation in a stable society, the priority factor for the
23 Soekanto. Sosiologi Suatu Pengantar. Jakarta: Rajawali Press. 1990. p.462-463
24
Sumaadmaja, Nursid. Perspektif Study Sosial. Bandung: Penerbit Angkasa. 1980. P.42
community is no longer economic factors, but other factors, such as
cultural and moral factors.25
From the description above it can be concluded that social criticism
of economic problems are problems related to the way how humans
meet their material needs from limited resources, even from scarce
resources. Social criticism of economic problems is criticism that arises
due to economic inequality in society, such as unemployment, high
prices of staples, and lack of jobs.
3. Social Criticism of Educational Problems
Sumaadmaja said thateducation is broadly a formation of
personality, the advancement of science, advancement of technology
and progress of social life in general.26
Further states about the
problems of education problems that occur in society. These problems
are influenced by several factors, namely educator factors, both
educators in the family, school and community as well as the problem
factors that originate in the students themselves.
From the description above it can be concluded that social criticism
of educational problems is criticism caused by problems caused by
educators and students themselves. Problems from educator factors
include problems of economic ability, the ability of knowledge and
experience, skill, authority, personality, attitude, nature, wisdom, craft,
responsibility, health, and so on. The problems stemming from students'
factors include problems of family economic ability, intelligence, talent
and interest, growth and development, personality, attitudes, traits, craft
and perseverance, association, and health.
4. Social Criticism of Cultural Issues
Koentjaraningrat said that culture is the whole system of ideas,
actions, and results of human work in the context of community life that
25Beilharz, Peter. Teori-teori Sosial. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar. 2003. P.2
26Sumaadmaja, Nursid. Perspektif Study Sosial. P.89
is shared by learning. The emergence of culture is caused by human
interaction as members of society with their social environment.27
The culture that develops in society is influenced by cultural
elements, one of which is the norm. The culture that develops in a
certain area will be different from other regions, because of the
influence of norms. For example, in Western culture, free sex is
considered to be a common thing. But not all Westerners agree with
that opinion. People who live in rural areas still consider this as
something taboo and prohibition. This is influenced by norms that still
apply in the area, including religious norms. Various opinions, both the
pros and cons of a cultural outcome, can cause problems in society.It
can be concluded that social criticism of cultural problems is a criticism
that arises due to problems that occur due to deviations from the
cultural elements.
5. Social Criticism of Moral Problems
Salam said that moral is a value system of how we should live well
as humans. The value system comes from consultation, discourse,
regulations, orders, and the like which are passed on through religion
and special crafts about how humans should live.28
Through work, writers or authors want to convey the values of
truth that exist in society, but also criticize moral values that do not pay
attention to humanity and norms that exist in a society. The assessment
of moral issues is based on the ethics adopted by the author as a
member of the community.Social criticism of moral problems is
criticism that aims to convey the values of truth and criticize moral
values thatnot pay attention to the human aspect, as well as the norms
that exist in a society.
27Koentjaraningrat. Pengantar Ilmu Antropologi. Jakarta: PT. Rineka Cipta. 2002.p.180
28Burhanuddin, Salam. Etika, Sosial, Asas Moral dalam Kehidupan Manusia. Jakarta:
Rineka Cipta. 1997.p.3
6. Social Criticism of Family Problems
M. John Charon said that a family is a primary group living
together in one household, responsible for the socialization of children
and usually built around one man, one woman, and one child.29
Social
criticism of family problems is criticism that arises due to
disorganization within the family. Disorganization in the family arises
due to social conflict due to differences in views or economic factors.
7. Social Criticism of Religious Issues
In addition to horizontal relationships, namely relationships with
fellow humans, humans also have vertical relationships, in this case, the
relationship between humans and their Lord as the creator of the
universe. The relationship is manifested in the form of religion.
Religion is a belief that contains norms or rules governing how to deal
with humans and their gods. These norms are eternal.30
Social criticism of religious issues is criticism that arises due to the
weak foundation of human faith so that humans are unable to carry out
God's commands and stay away from its prohibitions, this inability can
lead to distortion which results in problems of social problems.
8. Social Criticism of Gender Issues
Gender differences are social and cultural interpretations of gender
differences. So, gender refers to the role and position of women in
society to socialize with other communities. Gender differences are not
a problem when they do not cause gender injustice. One aspect that can
be seen to find out gender inequality is to look at it through manifesting
subordination.
A based gender view can result in subordination to women.
Women are considered weak and cannot lead. This assumption then led
29John, M Charon. Sociology: A Conseptual Approach Third Edition. United State of
Amerika : Alin and Bacon. 1992.p.466
30Burhanuddin, Salam. Etika, Sosial, Asas Moral dalam Kehidupan Manusia. p.179
to an attitude to give priority to women. The position of women is
considered inferior, in the sense that its position is always below the
men who are considered superior.
From the description above it can be concluded that social criticism
of gender issues is a criticism that arises due to the subordination of
women, women are considered weak and unable to lead, and women
are positioned below men.
9. Social Criticism of Technological Problems
In general, technology can be summed up as entities, objects, and
non-objects created in an integrated way through actions and thoughts
to achieve a value. In this usage, technology refers to the tools and
machines used to solve real-world problems.
With the existence of technology, humans obtain a series of
conveniences. However, if humans are too dependent on, technology
and less self-empowering, then humans can experience decreased
performance. This is what attracts someone to criticize technology
issues.
F. England Society Life History
The romantic period also called the romantic era is a term of a
movement which includes the fields of art, literature and socio-politics
in society which began in the late 18th century until the 19th century in
europe. At first this movement occured in Western Europe, then spread
to Britain and America. The ideologi and events surrounding the French
and the Industrial Revolution were considered to have affected this
movement.
The French Revolution started on July 14, 1789, with the storming
of the Bastille. The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, known formally as
the Bastille Saint-Antoine. It was used as a state prison by the kings of
France. It was stormed by a crowd on 14 July 1789 in the French
Revolution, becoming an important symbol for the French Republican
movement, and was later demolished and replaced by the Place de la
Bastille (a square in Paris) It was a mass uprising against the absolute
power of the king and the privileges of the upper classes. The rebellion
was carried out in the name of liberty, equality and fraternity. In reality
it led to the loss of liberty, dictatorship and nationalism. To crush the
resistance to the new order thousands of people were executed. France
was governed under a dozen of different constitutions as a republic, a
dictatorship, a constitutional monarchy, and two different empires.
Subsequent events caused by the revolution included the Napoleonic
wars and the restoration of the monarchy31
.
Britain waged the war against Napoleon. Napoleon‘s navy was defeated
by England at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In 1815 Napoleon‘s armies
were beaten by British forces at Waterloo, Belgium. Many changes in the
English life were caused by the Industrial Revolution.
The revolution which changed England from an agricultural to and
industrial country, and introduced competition as the regulating principle
of industry, could not fail to be attended with great sufferings for the
people. The immediate profits went to the capitalists. Any combination
amongst the workpeople to improve their condition was forbidden by law.
The rise of wages was very slow, whilst the rise of prices, owing to the
war with france, was rapid. Taxation was excesive, and the scarcity of
money, produced in part by the fact that large sums is specie were sent out
of England as subsidies to her Continental allies, led to the issue of a paper
currency which became excessively depreciated, and thus added to the
sufferings of the wage-earning classes. Frequently recurring periods of
31A.A. Webyehko. History of English Literature (from Romanticism to Modern Period).
2016.p.21
depression, the natural consequence of the new unregulated industrial
system, led to times of exceptional distress.32
The cities became overcrowded. Despite the economic improvements
most people continued to live and work in dreadful conditions. The
majority of workers, including women and children, slaved for long hours
on miserable pay. They lived in overcrowded slums where sanitation was
poor or non-existent. Diseases and epidemics became a common feature of
everyday life. The social and economic difficulties were neglected by the
government. Those who were troubled by the exploitation of workers and
the degradation of the cities sympathized with the ideals of the American
and French Revolutions. They oftern supported the workers‘ protests.
From 1811 to 1817, textile artisans came together to destroy the machines
which were threatening their livelihood in what were known as the
‗Luddite‘ riots. An agricultural variant of Luddism, centering on the
breaking of threshing machines, occurred during the widespread Swing
Riots of 1830 in southern and eastern England33
.
Revolutions represented a challenge to the 18th century political, social,
religious, philosophical and artistic ideals that were no longer considered
adequate. The balance and symmetry of the early 18th century society was
in danger of collapsing under the weight of new ideas about man and
nature, freedom and democracy, art and literature. By the end of the
century, many poets and artists had started reacting against the suppression
of human nature. They refused to treat man as a "social animal" and
believed in the importance of the individual and his creative potential.
These artists were called Romantics.
32Louise Creighton. Social History of england. Amerika: Rivingtons. 1887.p.111-112
33
A.A. Webyehko. History of English Literature (from Romanticism to Modern Period).
G. Review of Related Research
The first, Hafid Muhadi (2014), Muhammadiyah University in his
thesis with title ―Social Criticism of Bob Dylan‘s Song Lyrics: A
Sociological Study of Literature‖. This research paper aimed to show
visible image of Bob Dylan‘s song lyrics which are analyzed by using a
sociology of literature. This research paper belongs to qualitative research.
Data of the research is the text from and it has taken based on the theme,
thereabout consisting fifteen lyrics thematically. The method to analyze
this data is descriptive analysis. The researcher comes to the conclusion as
follows. Based on the sociological analysis, it is evident that in his lyrics,
Bob Dylan reflects the social society of the America social since the sixties
in which the American society experienced a big change socially and
culturally. In addition, in his lyrics, Bob Dylan also criticizes the
government and society that he perceived to have marginalized the poor.
The second, Nurul Faizah (2007), The State Islamic University of
Malang, entitle ―An Analysis on The Social Problems of David
Copperfield by Charles Dickens‖. In this research, the writer interested in
analyzing one of popular novels David Copperfield by Charles dickens,
one of the great english novelist of the Victorian era, and then this research
is aimed finding the kind of social problems happened in David
copperfield. The writer limits her study only on the social problems
occured in English society. To give clear desscription of how this study is
conducted the writer uses literary criticism as her research design in the
novel, and she uses structuralism approach.
The third, Dewik Sefrian (2008), State Islamic University Sulthan
Taha Saifuddin in her thesis with title ―Social and Moral Criticism On
Slank‘s Song‖. In this research is qualitative research with decriptive
method. Primary data are six song of Slank. And secondary data in this
research was taken from books, magazines and internet. In analysis of the
data, the writer tell about the meaning of the six song of Slank. After
analyze the meaning of the six songs, the writer find social criticism, they
are take care of environment, in Lapindo song, imbalanced social in
Lembah Baliem song. And the worry of parents to their children in
Indonesiakan UNA. The writer also finds moral criticism, they are decline
of moral in American Style and Systa Petty song, and respect to women in
respect song. And the last, the writer analyze social and moral criticism on
the six songs according to islam views.
The forth, Harnanto Prasgiyardi (2016) Muhammadiyah University
in his thesis with title ―A Marxist Criticism on Veronica Roth‘s Novel‖.
The research consists of an objective: analyzing the novel based on
Marxist Criticism. The researcher employs qualitative method. The object
of the study is Divergent novel by Veronica Roth which is published in
2011. The data sources consist of primary data source and secondary data
source. The primary data source is the text of Divergent by Veronica Roth,
published by Harper Collins and the secondary data sources are references
or materials related to study which are taken from books, websites, and
other matters that support this thesis.
The last, Shefield Fahmysari (2014) Sebelas Maret University of
Surakarta, entittle ―Social Criticism in Maya Angelou‘s Poems‖. The
objective of this research are to identify the social criticism in Maya
Angelou‘s poems and to describe how she expresses her social criticism in
her poems. This research employs semiotics approach and applies
Riffaterre‘s Semiotic of Poetry to answer the problrm of statements. This
research is a descriptive qualitative library research. The data divided into
the main and secondary data.
From the previous research above, different from previous
research, in this research, the writer is going to focus on the social
Criticism as reflected by William Blake‘s selested poems, such as: ―Earth
Answer poem by William Blake‖, ― The Little Black Boy poem by
William Blake‖. ―The Chimney Sweeper poem by William Blake‖.
―London poem by William Blake‖. So the title in this proposal is ―Social
Criticism as Reflected by William Blake‘s Selected Poems‖.
CHAPTER III
METHOD OF RESEARCH
A. Design of Research
In this research, the writer uses qualitative research and descriptive
method. According to Arikunto; ―Penelitian deskriptif merupakan
penelitian yang dimaksud untuk mengumpulkan informasi mengenai status
suatu gejala yang ada yaitu keadaan gejala menurut apa adanya pada
saat penelitian dilakukan‖34
. Then to interpet the meaning of metaphor
expression in the poem is suitable with the significance of the sentence
itself. This research belongs to this method because the data that are
collected are written data that is form of words in the statement of
paragraph.
According to Mukhtar ―Penelitian kualitatif adalah prosedur
penelitian yang menghasilkan data deskriptif berupa kata-kata tertulis
atau lisan dari orang-orang dan perilaku yang dapat diamati
(diobservasi)”35
.Sothat meant this research belongs tothis methodbecause
the data collected is written data. The discussion of the research picked up
the data one by one in order to cllarify the problem concerning the subject
matter.
Qualitative descriptive method aims to obtain in – dept data and
close reading of the text, a data contains the meaning. The meaning is the
actual data,definitive data, which is a value beyond the data that appears.
Therefore, aqualitative study does not emphasize generalization, yet
concentrates more on the meaning to express a variety of qualitative
information with careful and nuanced description to describe accurately
the properties of case (individual or group), the state of the phenomenon,
34
Suharsimi Arikunto. Manajemen Penelitian. Jakarta:Rineka Cipta. 1995). p.309
35
Mukhtar, Bimbingan Skripsi, Thesis dan Artikel Ilmiah (Pandangan Berbasis Penelitian
Kualitatif Lapangan dan Perpustakaan), (Jambi: Sulthan Thaha, press), p.19
and it is not restrictedn on data collection, but rather includes the analysis
and interpretation. Descriptive assesment advised on the assesment is
made solely based on the fact or phenomenon that empirically lives in is
speakers (writer). This means that recorded and analyzed are elements in
literary works as it is.
B. Source of Data
Data can be defined as the quantitative or qualitative values of a
variable. Data is plural of datum which literally means to give or
something given. Data is thought to be the lowest unit of information
from which other measurements and analyis can be done. Data can be
number, images, words, figures, facts or ideas. Data in itself cannot
be understood and to get information from the data one must interpret it
into meaningful information. There are various methods of interpreting
data. Data source are broadly classified into primary and secondary data.
Based on the above considerations, the primary data in this study
were four poetries by William Blake, namely Earth‘s Answer (1794), The
Little Black Boy (1789), The Chimney Sweeper (1793), and London
(1794).
C. Technique of Data Collection
There are some techniques of data collecting such as interview,
documentation, observation, and discussion. In this thesis, the writers use
only whose theory documentation technique to get the data. Dokumen
adalah suatu kumpulan bahan tertulis seperti di media, notulen-notulen
rapat, surat menyurat dan laporan laporan untuk mencari informasi yang
diperlukan36
. Based on statement, the writer concluded that how important
the way of data collecting in the research because the result of research is
36
Afrizal, M.A. Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Jakarta: P.T. Raja Grafindo Persada,
2014.p. 21
according to data collected, if data is suitable with result, so the
formulation of the problem would be solved in research.
There are some steps that the writer does in collecting the data. They are:
1. The writer collect the data that are get from the William Blake‘s
poetries.
2. The writer reads carefully poetries intesively
3. After read the poetries, the writer marks some important words or
sentences from that the writer indicate as the social criticism.
4. After the data has been found and completed, then the writer
processes and analyzes the data.
5. Then the last, the writer arranges the thesis based on the data
collected in the final step of this research.
D. Technique of Data Analysis
According to Sugiono: ―Data analysis is the process of
sistematically searching and arranging the interview transcript,
fieldnote and other materials that you accumulate to increase your
own understanding of them and to enable you to present what you have
discovered to other.‖37
All data are collected was analyzed. There are steps in
technique of data analysis in this research:
1. Collecting Data
In this research, the data in process of collecting all relevant sources
based from four selected poetries from William Blake. The tittles
of the poems are Earth‟s Answer, The Little Black Boys, The
Chimney Sweeper, and London. In the procces of collecting data,
they are collecting all relevant information from the internet source,
writing down the information related to the data that analyze reading
37
Sugiono, Metode Penelitian Pendidikan Kualitatif, Kuantitatif, dan R&D, (Bandung:
Alfabeta, 2008)
them and rechecking all of the data to avoid falsity. In the phase of
collecting information from the internet source, the writer needs a
lots of experts in poetry. The poetry hunter website, the poetry
blog spot, and write the summarize of that poetry.
2. Identifying and Classifying
After the writer collects all of data, next step is identifying
and classifying the data that are contained the social criticism.
The writer gets two poetries as a data that contained social
criticism.
3. Analyzing
After that all the data are analyzed. In this research is the
analyzing the data of the five selected poetries. The writer already
uses the technique of analyzing data from internet source in the
previous explanations. Analyzing the data always uses the inward
visions and linguistics intelligence for gaining the soft results.
4. Conclusion
After the analysis the last phase is drawing the conclusion
in every poetry that has been analyzed by the writer. In each poetry,
the writer must search what is the sweet crop of the poetry that can
finally transmit in to the readers based on the accuracy results.
CHAPTER IV
FINDING AND ANALYSIS
A. Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake’s selected Poems
In this research the writer uses the theory of Herman Waluyo to analyze
poems. The writer focuses on social criticism in poem. The writer found twelve
data from this research, they are: three data from the Earth‘s Answer poetry,
three data from the Little Black Boy poem, three data from the Chimney
sweeper poem, and then three data from the London poem.
The following data and analysis found by the writer in the poem by
William Blake:
1. The Social Criticism on the Situation of Women
Earth raised up her head
From the darkness dread and drear.
Her light fled,
Stony dread!
And her locks covered with grey despair (Earth‘s Answer stanza 1)
In the above stanza, William Blake criticized the situation of women at
that time. In the words "Darkness, dread, and drear and her locks covered
with gray despair" is a description of how the women suffer in the poem
above. the darkness of fear and despair which is a reflection of the
expression of suffering. A woman whose life is dark as if she would be so
tormented by her life at that time because of the social conditions in the
stanza of the poem.
Prison‟d on watery shore,
Starry jealousy does keep my den:
Cold and hoar,
Weeping o‟re,
I hear the father of the ancient men (Earth‘s Answer stanza 2)
In the above stanza, William Blake criticized the suffering of women at
that time. In the words ―Prison‘d on watery shore and weeping o‘re‖ is
description of how the Women feel confined and imprisoned for living in
this social condition. Women can only cry and express what happened to
him without daring to fight and rebel against the social conditions that made
him suffer because of the impact of the industrial revolution. They have to
work hard to make ends meet, not only working at home to take care of the
household and family, but they also have to work outside the home to make
a living.
Selfish father of men,
Cruel, jealous, selfish fear,
Can delight,
Chain‘d in night
The virgins of youth and morning bear (Earth‘s Answer stanza 3)
In the stanza of poetry above William Blake criticized the cruelty of
men at that time. In the words ―Selfish father of men and cruel, jealous,
selfish fear‖ is a description of how That cruel, jealous and selfish nature
makes women feel restrained. Women's lives are very different from men,
women work a lot and bear all household responsibilities rather than men.
At night the woman is bound in the house, and cannot go anywhere because
she must serve men physically or physically. Most of them are young girls
who should enjoy adolescence, but they must be forced to work to help their
families to survive.
2. The Social Criticism on the Difference between Black and White People
And I am black, but oh my soul is white;
White as an angel is the English child,
But I am black, as if bereaved of light ( The Little Black Boy stanza
1)
In the stanza above, William Blake criticizes the difference between
blacks and whites people. In the word ―And I am black, but my soul is
white‖ is a description of how William Blake expressed his sympathy for
black people who were always treated unfairly by white people. William
Blake wants people to know that even though their skin color is black but
their souls are white and holy, and they should not be distinguished from
white people, because of this difference black children feel suffering
because of their skin color which seems to prevent the world from realizing
the purity of their souls.
a. Social Criticism of The Freedom of Black Children
When I from black, and he from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God like lambs we joy (The Little
Black Boy stanza 6)
From the stanza of poem above William Blake criticizes the freedom
of black children. In the word ―When I from black, and he from white
cloud free‖ is a description of how William Blake explains how pure the
soul of a black child is because even though they are always treated
unfairly by white children, they still want to play with white children.
William Blake hopes that from this temple white people will realize the
purity of the hearts of black children, and give them freedom so that there
is no difference in skin color between them.
And then I‘ll stand, and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he will then love me (The Little Black
Boy stanza 7)
In the stanza above, William Blake criticizes the equality between
blacks and whites. In the word ―And be like him, and he will then love‖ i
a description of how the black children want love from white children,
even though white children always give suffering to him but black
children still want to protect their skin white. Because black people
expect fair treatment from white people. William Blake hopes that white
people can accept and love black people.
3. The Social Criticism on the Industrial Revolution
And my father sold me while yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry “‟weep, „weep,‟weep,‟weep!
So your chimneys I sweep and in soot I sleep (The Chimney
Sweeper stanza 1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized small children
who were treated badly during the industrial revolution. In the word
―And my father sold me while yet my tongue and could scarcely cry,
weep, weep, weep, weep!‖ is a description how the small children should
enjoy their childhood by learning and playing but in the poem verse
above children must work as adults, and also young children who are
used as commodities in the trade industry. They were sold and later made
into factory chimney sweepers.
And so he was quite; and that very night,
As Tom was a sleeping, he had such a sight;
That thousands of sweepers, Dick, Joe, Ned, and Jeck
Were all of them lock‟d up in coffins of black (The Chimney
Sweeper 3)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized the suffering of
small children at that time. In the word ―Were all of them lock‘d up in
coffins of black‖ is a description of how the children suffering from being
victims of industrialization. To play and live happily is only part of their
dreams while sleeping. because they seemed to be locked in a dark dead
turtle and could not get out of this suffering.
And so Tom awoke; and we rose in the dark,
And got with our bags and our brushes to work.
Though the morning was cold Tom was happy and warm:
So if all do their duty they need fear harm (The Chimney
Sweeper stanza 6)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized the situation
of children during the industrial revolution. In the word ―And so Tom
awoke; and we rose in the dark, And got with our bags and our brushes to
work‖ is a description how at that time has used machinery and
technology, resulting in many unemployed everywhere, which usually
uses human power because of this technology so that all jobs use
machinery. As a result of this, children also have to work to make ends
meet, but at this time children are treated arbitrarily, they have to wake
up in the morning which is still dark to work, and they must obey and
obey to be able to survive even though they have to live to suffer.
4. The Social Criticism on the Destitution and Slavery
I wandered through each chartered street,
Near where the chartered Thames does flow,
And mark in every face i meet,
Marks of weakness, marks of woe (London stanza1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized the suffering
felt by the people at that time. In the word ―And mark in every face i meet
and marks of weaknes, marks of woe‖ is a description of how William
Blake explained the things he saw when he roamed the streets of London,
visible from the faces of all people there were weaknesses and misery
because at that time a lot of injustice that occurred between the rich and
the poor.
In every cry of every man,
In every infant‟s cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban, (London stanza 2)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized the suffering
of the people that occurred at that time. In the word ― In every infant‘s
cry of fear and in every voice, in every ban‖ is a description of how there
is the sound of cries of everyone who suffers, the cries of babies born
without their parents' wishes (children pregnant out of wedlock), even
infants who have not been able to learn to speak convey this feeling of
oppression, and every sound that sounds like someone's voice detained in
slavery. They will never rise and challenge what the tyrants did to them.
P4.S3. How the chimney-sweeper‟ cry
Every blackening church appals,
And the hapless soldier‟ sigh
Runs in blood down palace-walls (London stanza 3)
In the word ―How the chimney sweeper‘ cry, and the hapless oldier‘
sigh and runs in blood down palace-walls‖ is a description of how
William Blake criticized children who were mistreated through work as
chimney sweepers, because at that time the industry was very developed.
Rich people take advantage of the poor. A lot of money goes to church
but children are dying of poverty. William Blake also criticized the
nobles who were supposed to be responsible for the war that broke out,
which resulted in the deaths of many innocent people and soldiers. So
that many women become widows and many families are starving.
B. The Problems of Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake’s Selected
Poems
In this research, the writer analyzes the problems of social criticism in
William Blake's poems by using the theory from Soekanto. Then the authors
only finds four problems of social criticism they are: social criticism of
economic problems, social criticism of moral problems, social criticism of
gender issues, and the last social criticism of technological problems. And
then the writer find twelve data from William Blake poems to analyze.
1. Social Criticism of Economic Problems
Economic problem are problems related to the way how humans meet
their material needs from limited resources, even from scarce resources.
Social criticism of this economic problem arises because of economic
inequality in society, such as unemployment, high prices of staples, and
lack of jobs.
As in this research, the writer founds social criticism about the
technological problem in the poem entitled London, which in this poem
explains the state of society at that time, in which many people became
unemployed, poverty everywhere, and many families were starving. the
poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.
The following data social criticism of economic problems analyzes by
the writer:
I wander through each charter‘d street
Near where the charter‘d Thames does flow,
And mark in every face i meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe (London stanza 1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social about
economic problems because at that time this poem was written, there
was a lot of unemployment resulting in economic decline in society. In
this stanza, William blake describes something he saw when he walked
the streets of London. Which shows the face of misery and weakness in
every person he met, there was no happiness radiated on the face of
society at that time, because at that time there were many injustices and
oppression against the poor, and there was a comparison between the
rich and the poor.
In every cry of every man,
In every infant‟s cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban (London stanza 2)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social about
economic problems because in tis poem explain about the suffering of the
people that occurred at that time. Everywhere there is the sound of cries
of everyone who suffers, the cries of babies born without their parents'
wishes (children pregnant out of wedlock), even infants who have not
been able to learn to speak convey this feeling of oppression, and every
sound that sounds like someone's voice detained in slavery. They will
never rise and challenge what the tyrants did to them. Suffering all affect
economic factors that cause poor people to be weak.
How the chimney-sweeper cry
Every blackening church appals;
And the hapless soldier‟s sigh
Runs in blood down palace – walls (London stanza 3)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized about
economic problems which is in this stanza describe about children who
were sold and then were hired as smoke sweepers which at that time the
industry was very developed, the children were treated badly by those
who had bought it. The rich take advantage of the poor through money
that goes to church, but there are still many children and weak people
dying from poverty. The nobles and the government were supposed to be
responsible for the war which resulted in the death of innocent people
and soldiers and made many women widowed and starving. All of these
factors are due to the economic decline in the community resulting in the
authorities being arbitrarily opposed to ordinary people.
2. Social Criticism of Moral Problems
Social criticism of moral problems that aims to convey the values
of truth and criticize moral values that not pay attention to the human
aspect, as well as the norms that exist in a society. As in this research, the
writer found social criticism about the moral problem in the poetry
entitled The Little Black Boy, which in this poem explains the
differences in skin color between black people and white people. Black
people are always treated unfairly, insulted, and despised by white people
only because of the color of their skin.
The following data social criticism of moral problems analyzes by
the writer:
And i am black, but oh my soul is white;
White as an angel is the English child,
But i am black, as if bereaved of light (The Little Black Boy
stanza 1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social of
moral problems because in this poem describe about the difference in
skin color between black and white people. William wanted to tell even
though blacks had black skin but they had white souls and were not
supposed to be treated badly by white people. The consequence of this
moral problems is the unhappiness of black people.
―When i from black, and he from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God like lambs we joy (The Little
Black Boy stanza 6
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticizes social of moral
problems because in this stanza describe about boundaries between black
children and white children. Black children feel the pain of this
difference in skin color. They always want to be able to play with white
children even though they are never considered by white children.
William Blake hopes that this poem can change the mindset of white
people to accept their skin color.
―And then i‘ll stand, and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he will then love me.” (The Little
Black Boy stanza 7)
In the stanza of poetry above William Blake criticized social of
moral problems because this stanza describe about the inequality between
whites and blacks, black people always considered inferior. Which of the
above verses is explained black children want to get love from white
children. And black children will still protect white children even though
they are always mistreated with white children. This is all they do to be
able to be friends and play with white children without any difference in
skin color. All the factors in the poem above are caused by the decline in
moral values that existed at the time, causing moral damage.
3. Social Criticism of Gender Issues
Social criticism of gender issues is a criticism that arises because
of subordination to women, women are considered weak and unable to
lead, and women are positioned below men. As in this research, the
writer found social criticism about gender issues in the poem entitled
Earth's Answer, which in this poem describes how women suffer at that
time because women are considered weak, unable to lead, and women are
always considered inferior by men , so this resulted in injustice against
women at that time.
The following data and analysis found by the writer in the poem
Earth‘s Answer by William Blake:
Earth raised her head
From the darkness dread and drear.
Her light fled,
Stony dread!
And her locks covered with grey despair (Earth‘s Answer
stanza 1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized sosial of gender
issues because in this stanza describe about the suffering of women at that
time, in which women truly felt the pain and darkness of their lives. At that
time women were considered low, the degree of women was far below
men, therefore women were treated poorly by men.
Prison‘d on watery shore,
Starry jealousy does keep my den:
Cold and hoar,
Weeping o‘re,
I hear the father of the ancient men (Earth‘s Answer stanza
2)
In the verse of the poem above William Blake criticized social of
gender issues because in this stanza describe about the suffering of
women at that time, the woman was restrained and seemed imprisoned.
They must work hard to make ends meet and take over the work that
should be done by men.
Selfish father of men,
Cruel, jealous, selfish fear,
Can delight,
Chain‘d in night,
The virgins of youth and morning bear (Earth‘s Answer
stanza 3)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social of
gender issues because in this stanza describe about the cruelty of men to
women at that time, women suffer greatly because women's lives are
very different from men, women who take over all-male work. At that
time women are enslaved by men, women must obey whatever is ordered
by men, and true woman cannot feel freedom like women today. With
the exintence of this gender problem causes unquelity in women, they
must live with fear and darkness.
4. Social Criticism of Technological Problems
With the existence of technology, humans obtain a series of
conveniences. However, if humans are too dependent on technology and
less self-empowering, then humans can experience decreased
performance. This is what attracts someone to criticize technology issues.
As in this research, the writer founds social criticism about technology
problem in the poem entitled The Chimney Sweeper, which in this poem
explains about how children are told to work as chimney sweepers, this is
because at that time the technology was more advanced, so everything
was done by machines. Many people become unemployed and starve,
then there is child trafficking and after being sold they will be told to
work as sweepers.
The following data and analysis found by the writer in the poem The
Chimney Sweeper by William Blake:
And my father sold me while yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry ―‘weep, ‗weep,‘weep,‘weep!
So your chimneys i sweep and in soot i sleep (The Chimney
Sweeper stanza 1)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social of
technological problems because in this stanza describe about
technological progress at that time. as result, many people become
unemployed so that even children must also feel the effects of this
technological progress. One of them children is not treated well during
the industrial revolution. Children are told to work to sweep factory
chimneys like adults. They are also used as trade commodities in industry
and are sold to be used as factory chimneys sweepers and then they will
sleep in the soot.
And so he was quite; and that very night,
As Tom was sleeping, he had such a sight;
That thousand of Sweepers, Dick, Joe, Ned and Jack
Were all of them lock‟p up in coffins of black (The
Chimney Sweeper stanza 3)
In the stanza of poem above William Blake criticized social of
technological problems because in this stanza describe about the
suffering of young children at that time. Young children become victims
of industrial development at that time. They seemed to have been locked
in that suffering, to live a normal life like little children was just their
dream when they slept.
And so Tom awoke; and we rose in the dark,
And got with our bags and our brushes to work.
Though the morning was cold Tom was happy and warm:
So if all do their duty they need fear harm (The Chimney
Sweeper stanza 6)
In the stanza of poetry above William Blake criticized social of
technological problems because in this stanza describe about the situation
of children during the industrial revolution. Which at this time there was
a shift in the use of labor, which previously used animal and human
power and then was replaced by mechanical power. Therefore labor
wages are cheap. And many entrepreneurs choose women and children
whose wages are cheaper. Then the children are treated arbitrarily, they
must wake up in the morning which is still dark and cold to work. The
emergence of this technological problems resulted in losses for ordinary
people, because they had to become unemployed, not only adults who
felt this suffering, but even small children also experienced difficulties
during the industrial revolution.
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION DAN SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
From the research that has been done about social criticism as reflected
by William Blake‘s selected poems. The writer draws the conclusion that in
William Blake's poems there is a form of social criticism that is first, the
social criticism of gender issues contained in the poetry Earth's Answer,
which describes the state of women who are considered inferior at that time.
Secondly, social criticism of moral issues contained in the poem The Little
Black Boy, which illustrates the differences between white people and black
people. The third, the social critique of technology issues contained in the
poem The Chimney Sweeper, which illustrates the rapid development of the
industry resulting in the number of children who have to work. The fourth,
the social critique of economic problems contained in London poem, which
illustrates the economic downturn of society which has greatly decreased,
resulting in suffering for the people at that time.
William Blake's poems was created because the author was
experiencing social problems and had seen for himself how the social
situation of the community at that time. the author has high hopes for the
government to deal with all the problems that occur. And in this research,
the writer also analyzes problems of social criticism.
B.Suggestion
The writer states several points that could be used as suggestions and
recommendations for the readers who interested in studying social criticism
especially in poetry because there are a lot of things that can be discussed
about social criticism in the different discussions and points of view.
Meanwhile, for the student who is learning poetry, this research can be
an alternative reference, because this research presents social criticism in the
poetry that involving the study of literature, social, and meaning.
In addition, it also recommended the next researcher who is interested
in doing further research in the same area to use these findings as a starting
point in conducting the research. Moreover, the suggestion to use other
sources of data such as from the novel, advertisement or even in a spoken
language like song or speech because social criticism helps for a better
change in society.
Overall, this research hopes to be useful for all the readers, especially
those who are interested in the same field because social criticism is an
interesting topic to discuss.
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APPENDIX 1
The Data of Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake’s Selected Poems
No Social Criticism Data Analysis
1 The Social
Criticism on the
Situation of
Women
Earth raised up her head
From the darkness dread
and drear.
Her light fled,
Stony dread!
And her locks covered
with grey despair
In the above stanza,
William Blake criticized
the situation of women at
that time. In the words
"Darkness, dread, and
drear and her locks
covered with gray
despair" is a description
of how the women suffer
in the poem above. the
darkness of fear and
despair which is a
reflection of the
expression of suffering.
A woman whose life is
dark as if she would be
so tormented by her life
at that time because of
the social conditions in
the stanza of the poem.
2 The Social
Criticism on the
Situation of
Women
Prison‘d on watery shore,
Starry jealousy does keep
my den:
Cold and hoar,
Weeping o‘re,
I hear the father of the
ancient men.
In the above stanza,
William Blake criticized
the suffering of women
at that time. Women feel
confined and imprisoned
for living in this social
condition. Women can
only cry and express
what happened to him
without daring to fight
and rebel against the
social conditions that
made him suffer because
of the impact of the
industrial revolution.
They have to work hard
to make ends meet, not
only working at home to
take care of the
household and family,
but they also have to
work outside the home to
make a living. 3 The Social
Criticism on the
Situation of
Women
Selfish father of men,
Cruel, jealous, selfish
fear,
Can delight,
Chain‘d in night
The virgins of youth an
morning bear?
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized the cruelty of
men at that time. That
cruel, jealous and selfish
nature makes women
feel restrained. Women's
lives are very different
from men, women work
a lot and bear all
household
responsibilities rather
than men. At night the
woman is bound in the
house, and cannot go
anywhere because she
must serve men
physically or physically.
Most of them are young
girls who should enjoy
adolescence, but they
must be forced to work
to help their families to
survive. 4 The Social
Criticism on the
Difference between
Black and White
People
And I am black, but oh
my soul
is white
White as an angel is the
English
Child,
But I am black, as if
bereaved of
light.
In the stanza above,
William Blake criticizes
the difference between
blacks and whites. In this
temple, William Blake
expressed his sympathy
for black people who
were always treated
unfairly by white people.
William Blake wants
people to know that even
though their skin color is
black but their souls are
white and holy, and they
should not be
distinguished from white
people, because of this
difference black children
feel suffering because of
their skin color which
seems to prevent the
world from realizing the
purity of their souls. 5 The Social
Criticism on the
Difference between
Black and White
People
When I from black, and
he
from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God
like
lambs we joy,
From the stanza of poem
above William Blake
criticizes the freedom of
black children. From this
verse, William Blake
explains how pure the
soul of a black child is
because even though
they are always treated
unfairly by white
children, they still want
to play with white
children. William Blake
hopes that from this
temple white people will
realize the purity of the
hearts of black children,
and give them freedom
so that there is no
difference in skin color
between them. 6 The Social
Criticism on the
Difference between
Black and White
People
And then I‘ll stand, and
stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he
will then love me.‖
In the stanza above,
William Blake criticizes
the equality between
blacks and whites, which
in this verse black
children want love from
white children, even
though white children
always give suffering to
him but black children
still want to protect their
skin white. Because
black people expect fair
treatment from white
people. William Blake
hopes that white people
can accept and love
black people. 7 The Social
Criticism on the
Industrial
Revolution
And my father sold me
while
yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized small children
who were treated badly
―‘weep,
‗weep,‘weep,‘weep!
So your chimneys I sweep
and in soot I sleep.
during the industrial
revolution. this is where
small children should
enjoy their childhood by
learning and playing but
in the poetry verse above
children must work as
adults, and also young
children who are used as
commodities in the trade
industry. They were sold
and later made into
factory chimney
sweepers. 8 The Social
Criticism on the
Industrial
Revolution
And so he was quite; and
that very night
As Tom was a sleeping,
he had such a sight
That thousands of
sweepers,
Dick, Joe, Ned, and Jeck
Were all of them lock‘d
up in
coffins of black
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized the suffering of
small children at that
time. Which are a lot of
children suffering from
being victims of
industrialization. To play
and live happily is only
part of their dreams
while sleeping. because
they seemed to be locked
in a dark dead turtle and
could not get out of this
suffering. 9 The Social
Criticism on the
Industrial
Revolution
And so Tom awoke; and
we
rose in the dark,
And got with our bags and
our brushes to work.
Though the morning was
cold Tom was happy and
warm:
So if all do their duty they
need fear harm.
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized the situation of
children during the
industrial revolution.
Which at this time has
used machinery and
technology, resulting in
many unemployed
everywhere, which
usually uses human
power because of this
technology so that all
jobs use machinery. As a
result of this, children
also have to work to
make ends meet, but at
this time children are
treated arbitrarily, they
have to wake up in the
morning which is still
dark to work, and they
must obey and obey to
be able to survive even
though they have to live
to suffer. 10 The Social
Criticism on the
Destitution and
Slavery
I wandered through each
Chartered street,
Near where the chartered
Thames
does flow,
And mark in every face i
meet,
Marks of weakness, marks
of
woe.
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized the misery felt
by the people at that
time. Which is the above
verse William Blake
explained the things he
saw when he roamed the
streets of London, visible
from the faces of all
people there were
weaknesses and misery
because at that time a lot
of injustice that occurred
between the rich and the
poor. 11
The Social
Criticism on the
Destitution and
Slavery
In every cry of every man,
In every infant‘s cry of
fear,
In every voice, in every
ban,
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized the suffering
of the people that
occurred at that time.
Everywhere there is the
sound of cries of
everyone who suffers,
the cries of babies born
without their parents'
wishes (children
pregnant out of
wedlock), even infants
who have not been able
to learn to speak convey
this feeling of
oppression, and every
sound that sounds like
someone's voice
detained in slavery.
They will never rise and
challenge what the
tyrants did to them.
12
The Social
Criticism on the
Destitution and
Slavery
How the chimney-
sweeper‘ cry
Every blackening church
appals,
And the hapless soldier‘
sigh
Runs in blood down
palace
walls
In the stanza of poetry
above William Blake
criticized children who
were mistreated through
work as chimney
sweepers, because at that
time the industry was
very developed. Rich
people take advantage of
the poor. A lot of money
goes to church but
children are dying of
poverty. William Blake
also criticized the nobles
who were supposed to
be responsible for the
war that broke out,
which resulted in the
deaths of many innocent
people and soldiers. So
that many women
become widows and
many families are
starving.
APPENDIX 2
The Data of Problems in Social Criticism as Reflected by William Blake’
Selected Poems
N
o
Code Data Problems of Social
Criticism
Analysis
1.
P1.S
1
I wander through each
charter‘d street
Near where the
charter‘d Thames does
flow,
And mark in every face
i meet
Marks of weakness,
marks of woe.
Social Criticism of
Economic
Problems
In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticized
social about
economic problems
because at that time
this poem was
written, there was a
lot of unemployment
resulting in
economic decline in
society. In this
stanza, William
blake describes
something he saw
when he walked the
streets of London.
Which shows the
face of misery and
weakness in every
person he met, there
was no happiness
radiated on the face
of society at that
time, because at that
time there were
many injustices and
oppression against
the poor, and there
was a comparison
between the rich and
the poor.
2.
P1.S
2
In every cry of every
man,
Social Criticism of
Economic In the stanza of poem
above William
In every infant‘s cry of
fear, In every voice, in
every ban,
Problems Blake criticized
social about
economic problems
because in tis poem
explain about the
suffering of the
people that occurred
at that time.
Everywhere there is
the sound of cries of
everyone who
suffers, the cries of
babies born without
their parents' wishes
(children pregnant
out of wedlock),
even infants who
have not been able
to learn to speak
convey this feeling
of oppression, and
every sound that
sounds like
someone's voice
detained in slavery.
They will never rise
and challenge what
the tyrants did to
them. Suffering all
affect economic
factors that cause
poor people to be
weak.
3.
P1.
S3
How the chimney-
sweeper cry
Every blackening
church appals,
And the hapless
soldier‘s sigh
Runs in blood down
palace – walls.
Social Criticism of
Economic
Problems
In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticized
about economic
problems which is in
this stanza describe
about children who
were sold and then
were hired as smoke
sweepers which at
that time the
industry was very
developed, the
children were treated
badly by those who
had bought it. The
rich take advantage
of the poor through
money that goes to
church, but there are
still many children
and weak people
dying from poverty.
The nobles and the
government were
supposed to be
responsible for the
war which resulted
in the death of
innocent people and
soldiers and made
many women
widowed and
starving. All of these
factors are due to the
economic decline in
the community
resulting in the
authorities being
arbitrarily opposed
to ordinary people.
4
P2.S
1
And i am black, but oh
my soul is white;
White as an angel is the
En
gli
sh
chi
ld,
But i am black, as if
bereaved of light.
Social Criticism of
Moral problems In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticized
social of moral
problems because in
this poem describe
about the difference
in skin color
between black and
white people.
William wanted to
tell even though
blacks had black
skin but they had
white souls and were
not supposed to be
treated badly by
white people. The
consequence of this
moral problems is
the unhappiness of
black people.
5
P2.S
6
When i from black, and
he from white cloud
free,
And round the tent of
God like lambs
we joy,
Social Criticim of
Moral Problems In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticizes
social of moral
problems because in
this stanza describe
about boundaries
between black
children and white
children. Black
children feel the pain
of this difference in
skin color. They
always want to be
able to play with
white children even
though they are
never considered by
white children.
William Blake hopes
that this poem can
change the mindset
of white people to
accept their skin
color.
6
P2.S
7
And then i‘ll stand, and
stroke his silver
hair,
And be like him, and he
will then love me
Social Critisicm of
Moral Problems In the stanza of
poetry above
William Blake
criticized social of
moral problems
because this stanza
describe about the
inequality between
whites and blacks,
black people always
considered inferior.
Which of the above
verses is explained
black children want
to get love from
white children. And
black children will
still protect white
children even though
they are always
mistreated with
white children. This
is all they do to be
able to be friends
and play with white
children without any
difference in skin
color. All the factors
in the poem above
are caused by the
decline in moral
values that existed at
the time, causing
moral damage.
7
P3.S
1
Earth raised her head
From the darkness
dread and drear.
Her light fled,
Stony dread!
And her locks covered
with grey despair
Social Criticism of
Gender Issues In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticized
sosial of gender
issues because in
this stanza describe
about the suffering
of women at that
time, in which
women truly felt the
pain and darkness of
their lives. At that
time women were
considered low, the
degree of women
was far below men,
therefore women
were treated poorly
by men.
8
P3.S
2
Prison‘d on watery
shore,
Starry jealousy does
keep my den:
Cold and hoar,
Weeping o‘re,
I hear the father of the
ancient men.
Social Criticism of
Gender Issues In the verse of the
poem above William
Blake criticized
social of gender
issues because in
this stanza describe
about the suffering
of women at that
time, the woman
was restrained and
seemed imprisoned.
They must work
hard to make ends
meet and take over
the work that should
be done by men.
9
P3.S
3
Selfish father of men,
Cruel, jealous, selfish
fear,
Can delight,
Chain‘d in night,
The virgins of youth
and morning bear?
Social Criticism of
Gender Issues In the stanza of
poem above William
Blake criticized
social of gender
issues because in
this stanza describe
about the cruelty of
men to women at
that time, women
suffer greatly
because women's
lives are very
different from men,
women who take
over all-male work.
At that time women
are enslaved by men,
women must obey
whatever is ordered
by men, and true
woman cannot feel
freedom like women
today. With the
exintence of this
gender problem
causes unquelity in
women, they must
live with fear and
darkness.
10
P4.S
1
And my father sold me
while yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry
―‘weep,
‗weep,‘weep,‘weep!
So your chimneys i
sweep and in soot i
sleep.
Social Criticism of
Technological
Problems
In the stanza of
poetry above
William Blake
criticized social of
technological
problems because in
this stanza describe
about technological
progress at that time.
as result, many
people become
unemployed so that
even children must
also feel the effects
of this technological
progress. One of
them children is not
treated well during
the industrial
revolution. Children
are told to work to
sweep factory
chimneys like adults.
They are also used
as trade
commodities in
industry and are sold
to be used as factory
chimneys sweepers
and then they will
sleep in the soot.
11
P4.S
3
And so he was quite;
and that very
night,
As Tom was sleeping,
he had such a
sight;
That thousand of
Sweepers,
Dick, Joe, Ned and
Jack
Were all of them
lock‘p up in
coffins of
black.
Social Criticism of
Technological
Problems
In the stanza of
poetry above
William Blake
criticized social of
technological
problems because in
this stanza describe
about the suffering
of young children at
that time. Young
children become
victims of industrial
development at that
time. They seemed to
have been locked in
that suffering, to live
a normal life like
little children was
just their dream
when they slept.
12
P4.S
6
And so Tom awoke;
and we rose in the
dark,
And got with our bags
and our
Brushes to work.
Though the morning
was cold
Tom was
happy and warm:
So if all do their duty
they
need fear
harm.
Social Criticism of
Technological
Problems
In the stanza of
poetry above
William Blake
criticized social of
technological
problems because in
this stanza describe
about the situation of
children during the
industrial revolution.
Which at this time
there was a shift in
the use of labor,
which previously
used animal and
human power and
then was replaced by
mechanical power.
Therefore labor
wages are cheap.
And many
entrepreneurs choose
women and children
whose wages are
cheaper. Then the
children are treated
arbitrarily, they must
wake up in the
morning which is
still dark and cold to
work. The
emergence of this
technological
problems resulted in
losses for ordinary
people, because they
had to become
unemployed, not
only adults who felt
this suffering, but
even small children
also experienced
difficulties during
the industrial
revolution.
APPENDIX 3
EARTH’S ANSWER
Earth raised up her head
From the darkness dread and drear,
Her light fled,
Stony, dread,
And her locks covered with grey despair.
‗‗Prisoned on watery shore,
Starry jealousy does keep my den
Cold and hoar;
Weeping o‘re,
I hear the father of the ancient men.
‗‗Selfish father of men!
Cruel, jealous, selfish fear!
Can delight,
Chained in night,
The virgins of youth and morning bear?
‗‗Does spring hide its joy,
When buds and blossoms grow?
Does the sower
Sow by night,
Or the plowman in darkness plough?
‗‗Break this heavy chain,
That does freeze my bones around!
Selfish, vain,
Eternal bane,
That free love with bondage bound.‘
THE LITTLE BLACK BOY
My mother bore me in the southern wild,
And I am black, but oh my soul is white!
White as an angel is the English child,
But I am black, as if bereaved of light.
My mother taught me underneath a tree,
And, sitting down before the heat of day,
She took me on her lap and kissed me,
And, pointed to the east, began to say:
‗‗Look on the rising sun: there God does live,
And gives His light, and gives His heat away,
And flowers and trees and beasts and men receive
Comfort in morning, joy in the noonday.
‗‗And we are put on earth a little space,
That we may learn to bear the beams of love
And these black bodies and this sunburnt face
Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove.
‗‗For when our souls have learn‘d the heat to bear,
The cloud will vanish, we shall hear His voice,
Saying, ‘Come out from the grove, my love and care
And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice‘,‘‘
Thus did my mother say, and kissed me;
And thus I say to little English boy.
When I from black and he from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God like lambs we joy
I‘ll shade him from the heat till he can bear
To lean in joy upon our Father‘s knee;
And then I‘ll stand and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he will then love me.
THE CHIMNEY-SWEEPER
When my mother died I was very young,
And my father sold me while yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry ‗‗Weep! weep! weep! weep!‘‘
So your chimneys I sweep, and in soot I sleep.
There‘s little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head,
That curled like a lamb‘s back, was shaved; so I said,
‗‗Hush, Tom! never mind it, for, when your head‘s
bare,
You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair.‘‘
And so he was quiet, and that very night,
As Tom was a-sleeping, he had such a sight! —
That thousands of sweepers, Dick, Joe, Ned, and
Jack,
Were all of them locked up in coffins of black.
And by came an angel, who had a bright key,
And he opened the coffins, and let them all free;
Then down a green plain, leaping, laughing, they run,
And wash in a river, and shine in the sun.
Then naked and white, all their bags left behind,
They rise upon clouds, and sport in the wind;
And the Angel told Tom, if he‘d be a good boy,
He‘d have God for his father, and never want joy.
And so Tom awoke, and we rose in the dark,
And got with our bags and our brushes to work.
Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy and
warm:
So, if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.
LONDON
I wandered through each chartered street,
Near where the chartered Thames does flow,
And mark in every face I meet,
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.
In every cry of every man,
In every infant‘s cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban,
The mind-forged manacles I hear:
How the chimney-sweeper‘s cry
Every blackening church appals,
And the hapless soldier‘s sigh
Runs in blood down palace-walls.
But most, through midnight streets I hear
How the youthful harlot‘s curse
Blasts the new-born infant‘s tear,
And blights with plagues the marriage-hearse.
