There have been many different reactions to "The Little Vagabond," from a renowned scholar, Wickstead saying that it is, "the noblest conception of Blake's ever-recurring idea that forgiveness is the only power of salvation" to Gilham's view that "the vagabond's vision is too earthy." Scholar Galia Benziman proposes that the child narrarating could be interpreted as both hypocritical and deceptive, considering his hateful view of the church.
Various scholars have interpreted "The Little Vagabond." Some, like Wickstead, see it as a manifestation of Blake's recurring theme about forgiveness being essential for salvation. Others, such as Gilham, argue that the vagabond's viewpoint is too simplistic. Scholar Benziman suggests that the child narrator might be portrayed as both hypocritical and deceptive because of his negative attitude towards the church.