William Blake Historical Context and Poetry

During which historical period did William Blake live?

• Renaissance

• Enlightenment

• Industrial Revolution

• Victorian Era

What were the major changes happening during Blake's time?

• Political revolutions

• Social revolutions

• Both political and social revolutions

• None of the above

What was the main occupation of people in the 18th century?

• Farming

• Factory work

• Mining

• Trading

What were the conditions like in the rapidly growing towns and cities?

• Clean and safe

• Diseased and dangerous

• Modern and efficient

• Peaceful and quiet

What was the practice of chimney sweeping in Blake's time?

• Using machines to clean chimneys

• Sending children to climb up chimneys and clean them

• Hiring professional chimney sweepers

• Not cleaning chimneys at all

At what age did children start working as chimney sweepers?

• 4 or 5

• 10 or 11

• 16 or 17

• 20 or 21

How long did children usually work as chimney sweepers?

• 1 year

• 3 years

• 7 years

• 10 years

What were the health effects of chimney sweeping on children?

• Stunted growth and deformed bodies

• Strong and healthy bodies

• No significant health effects

• Improved lung and eye health

How much did master sweeps pay to parents/guardians of the children they took on as apprentices?

• 20 shillings (£1)

• 50 shillings (£2.50)

• 100 shillings (£5)

• 500 shillings (£25)

When was it made illegal to send children up chimneys?

• 1788

• 1827

• 1875

• 1900