The Poetry of William Blake

Paper Summary:

This paper deals with the political, social and religious issues that faced and concerned William Blake and the common themes which are often expressed through his poetry. In particular, it examines "The Echoing Green" and "London," poems taken from Blake's "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" and uses them to discuss Blake's attitudes towards the changes taking place. It looks at how in "The Echoing Green" Blake addresses a part of life that was rapidly disappearing during his time, due to the rapid social advances that affected rural life. It also analyzes how "London" provides a clear example of Blake's disapproval of changes that occurred during his time and can be seen to encapsulate several of the implications from "Songs of Experience."

From the Paper:

"William Blake lived in a world of massive transition; in a world that was developing at a speed unparalleled in British history and where changes were occurring in almost every aspect of society. The Industrial Revolution propelled developments, but although it made Britain the most technically advanced country in the world, these advances were paradoxical since many people became poorer than before, as manufacturing moved from cottage to factory, and many workers were no longer required. William Blake also witnessed both the American War of Independence and the French Revolution and he was greatly affected by both these events and their surrounding ideologies."

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