SMP #30 Introduction to the Songs of Innocence by William Blake
Dec 8, 2019
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Exploring the eccentricity and revolutionary views of William Blake, his embrace of imagination over reason, and the portrayal of innocence and experience in his poetry. Delving into the themes of childhood, the contrast between live experience and writing, and the enchantment found in his work.
William Blake's unique approach to combining poetry and art challenged traditional norms and paved the way for a deeper understanding of his work.
Blake's emphasis on individuality and freedom in his writings distinguished him from other romantic poets, advocating for open exploration of conflicting ideas to reach a synthesis.
Deep dives
Exploration of William Blake
Exploring William Blake, one of the early English romantic poets, revealed his unique approach to poetry and art. Blake, along with other romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge, faced challenges in gaining popularity due to his handmade work. His inclusion of paintings with his poems added depth, setting the mood for his creations. Embracing simplicity and rhyme, Blake's work was seen as ideal for children, encouraging different interpretations and fostering a love for language.
Blake's Views and Revolutionary Stance
William Blake's eccentricity and revolutionary views distinguished him among his romantic peers. Contrary to traditional nature-loving poets, Blake's affinity for London and focus on self-expression set him apart. Criticizing both religion and reason, Blake advocated for freedom and open exploration, emphasizing a dialectic process of conflicting ideas to reach a synthesis. He promoted individuality, challenging societal norms through his writings and beliefs.
Transition from Oral Tradition to Writing
In 'The Piper,' Blake artfully portrayed the shift from oral tradition to writing, symbolizing the loss of immediate inspiration but the gain of broader reach through written words. The progression from piping a song to writing it down highlights the transformation of creativity and expression. Through the synthesis of laughter, tears, and joy in the poem, Blake conveys a fable of poetic inspiration and the importance of capturing and sharing stories.
Songs of Innocence and Experience
The introduction to 'The Songs of Innocence' encapsulates Blake's themes of pastoral idyllic life and the dialectic movement from innocence to experience. This fable of the Piper embodies a dialogue between inspiration and creation, emphasizing the transition from oral to written tradition. By exploring the contrast between laughter and tears, Blake sets the stage for deeper explorations of human nature and societal norms in his renowned works.
William Blake was the most eccentric of the Romantics. He was equally important in visual arts as well as poetry. His books included beautiful engravings all hand made, and for this reason he was not well known until the 20th century.
A man opposed to oppression and repression of all times, in his work we see an imaginative mind building an entire world before our eyes.
This first poem, "The Piper" is from The Songs of Innocence and it serves as the introduction to this book.
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