The Chimney Sweeper

Not all of the poems have direct opposites, but the sweeper is one in particular that struck me.  In Songs of Innocence, poor little street urchins are making the best of their situation.  An older boy tries to console little Tom.  Tom dreams of others dying, but it's not a bad dream, it's a good dream in Tom's eyes.  It gives him hope.  In Songs of Experience, the boy is not named, but he understands he is being used.  He sees the cycle he is placed in and has no way out.  The innocent boys don't understand how badly they are being abused but as they get older, they not only know, they know they cannot escape it.   Innocence is full of hope and peace, experience is full of acceptance and resignation.