Kamryn's AP Blog

    "Infant Joy" and "Infant Sorrow" by William Blake are both very similar poems. In one instance, both poems are linked to the joy of childbirth. Although the mood of "Infant Sorrow" is significantly different, there is still an atmosphere of happiness in the story it is trying to tell. These two poems are also both told moments after the infant had been born. The feelings are new, positive or not, and add to the effect of the poem. This is a great linking factor to both poems.     Although these poems are very alike, they also share vast differences. The most obvious difference is the mood and tone of each poem. While "Infant Joy" is told in a jovial manner, "Infant Sorrow" emphasizes on the discomfort and sorrow that the newborn feels. Also, while "Infant Joy" focuses on the happiness of the newborn itself, the only traces of happiness in "Infant Sorrow" are the crying parents, happy that their child is finally