1. Analysis of Little Black Boy by William Blake
... second line, Blake inserts the religious reference to the soul by saying, "I am black, but O! my soul is white." Because white is the symbol of purity and innocence, the boy's statement is immediately addresses the racial indifference and inserts the boy's desire to be white. The boy acknowledges that because he was ... till he can bear, to lean in joy upon our father's knee," the little black boy has an inclination toward subordination despite his acting out of love. Even in heaven, the little boy has will have an inherited distinction that forms a barrier between him and the white boy....
- Word Count: 876
- Approx Pages: 4
- Grade Level: Undergraduate