Final Answer:
In lines 4 through 8 of The Chimney Sweeper, narrator is expressing Sorrow and despair over the loss of innocence. Thus the correct option is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
In lines 4 through 8 of "The Chimney Sweeper," the narrator expresses profound sorrow and despair over the loss of innocence. The lines describe the young chimney sweeper, Tom Dacre, having a dream where his hair is shaved off and turned into a "thatch for the sweep's chimney," symbolizing the harsh realities of child labor and the exploitation of innocence. The image of the "coffins of black" and the "little black thing" further underscores the grimness of their situation. The narrator is not expressing fear of the dark or confined spaces (Option A), joy of playing with other chimney sweepers (Option B), or excitement about a better future (Option D). Instead, the focus is on the grimness of the present and the loss of childhood purity.
The use of vivid imagery and symbolism in the lines contributes to the overall theme of William Blake's poem, highlighting the societal injustices and the impact on the lives of these young chimney sweepers. The soot and darkness are metaphors for the corruption and exploitation of innocence by societal norms. This emotional tone aligns with the larger context of "Songs of Innocence and Experience," where Blake critiques societal norms and their detrimental effects on the purity of childhood. The narrator's expression of sorrow and despair serves as a poignant commentary on the harsh realities faced by the chimney sweepers, emphasizing the loss of their innocence in the face of a callous society.