'Flatting-Mill' Summary

The Flatting-Mill is a poem by William Cowper that describes the process of flattening metal in a mill. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, and it uses vivid imagery to create a vivid picture of the process. Cowper also uses the poem to reflect on the nature of work and the importance of human labor. The poem begins with a description of the mill itself. Cowper describes the mill as a "huge machine" that is "dark, loathsome, melancholy", and "dingy". He then goes on to describe the workers who work in the mill. He describes them as "pale", "emaciated", and "worn". Cowper then goes on to describe the process of flattening metal in the mill. He describes how the metal is heated until it is red-hot, and then how it is passed through a series of rollers that flatten it out. He also describes how the workers are constantly exposed to the heat and noise of the mill. The poem ends with a reflection on the nature of work and the importance of human labor. Cowper argues that work is a necessary part of life, and that it is something that can be both rewarding and fulfilling. He also argues that the workers who work in the mill are essential to society, and that they deserve our respect and admiration.