Here the sweep's unfeeling sanctimonious parents have clothed him in the clothes of death and taught him to sing the notes of woe. ... The rhythm of the last verse becomes quicker and lighter as the sweep describes how his parents 'praise God' that everything is fine, but slows right down as the last line exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of state religion. ...

• Word Count: 1564
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In 1868, after making a name for himself amongst fellow telegraphers as being a flamboyant and quick witted character - who enjoyed playing "mostly harmless" practical jokes - he returned home one day ragged and penniless. ...

• Word Count: 3349
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: Undergraduate