what is the deal with the poems final line? Does the speaker really think chimney sweeping is a duty that children should do? Should tom really be feeling happy and warm.
Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy and warm;
So if all do their duty they need not fear harm.
On the surface this sounds like Tom is comforted by his dream. He thinks that if he just sweeps his chimneys and does what he is told, he will be rewarded in Heaven. Many critics believe that Blake is being ironic here. Tom's dream is merely a coping mechanism. Poor Tom wil remain an abused child having to work in horrible conditions.
