Q/A of Blake

1.​ What is the theme of Blake’s poem “The Lamb”?

Ans: "The Lamb" is a poem by English visionary William Blake,
published in his 1789 collection Songs of Innocence. The poem sees in the figure of the lamb an
expression of God's will and the beauty of God's creation. The poem is told from the perspective
of a child, who shows an intuitive understanding of the nature of joy and, indeed, the joy of
nature. In "The Lamb," there is little of the suspicion of urban environments found elsewhere in
Blake's poetry. "The Lamb," then, is a kind of hymn to God, praising God's creation while also
implying that humankind has lost the ability to appreciate it fully. The poem is a child’s song, in
the form of a question and answer. The first stanza is rural and descriptive, while the second
focuses on abstract spiritual matters and contains explanation and analogy. The child’s question
is both naive and profound. The question “who made thee?” is a simple one, and yet the child is
also tapping into the deep and timeless questions that all human beings have, about their own
origins and the nature of creation. The poem’s apostrophic form contributes to the effect of
naiveté, since the situation of a child talking to an animal is a believable one, and not simply a
literary contrivance. Yet by answering his own question, the child converts it into a rhetorical
one, thus counteracting the initial spontaneous sense of the poem. The answer is presented as
a puzzle or riddle, and even though it is an easy one—child’s play—this also contributes to an
underlying sense of ironic knowingness or artifice in the poem. The child’s answer, however,
reveals his confidence in his simple Christian faith and his innocent acceptance of its teachings.
So, we can see that this poem is based on a religious theme.
2.​ What does “Tyger” symbolize in “The Tyger”?
Ans: The ‘Tyger’ is a symbolic tiger which represents the fierce force in
the human soul. It is created in the fire of imagination by the god who has a supreme
imagination, spirituality and ideals. The anvil, chain, hammer, furnace and fire are parts of the
imaginative artist’s powerful means of creation. The imaginative artist is synonymous with the
creator. The man with a revolutionary spirit can use such powers to fight against the evils of
experience.The poem is taken from the “Songs of Experience” which means the adult world of
corruption, immorality and suffering. Passing through the first phase of “Innocence” or the pure
child’s-like world or mentality in “Songs of Innocence”, and then having experienced the
opposite world of experience, the speaker in this poem has begun to recognize the suppressed
power of his soul and realize its necessity. He is himself puzzled at its fearful faces, and begins
to realize that he had gotten, not only the lamb-like humility, but also the tiger-like energy for
fighting back against the domination of the evil society. The qualities of the original and pure
man must be freed by using this tiger- like force of the soul. Blake’s imaginative man or creative
artist is a rebellious being. It also represents the double potentials in any human
being.Thematically, the poem is intended to make us to witness the persona realizing the
potentials of his soul and to realize it ourselves. We have not only the lamb (Christ) like humility
but also the tiger like quality for spiritual revolution and freedom from falsities. The unusual
spelling in “Tyger” is also a hint of the special meaning and emphasis as the unusual stresses.
3.​ Find out the biblical elements in “The Lamb”.
Ans: William Blake's poem "The Lamb" is a pastoral poem that explores the
nature of God and the innocence of creation through the figure of a lamb. It contains several
biblical elements that reflect Blake's Christian worldview and his interest in the mystical aspects
of Christianity. Here are some of the biblical elements in "The Lamb":
1.​ The figure of the lamb: The lamb is a central image in Christianity, representing Christ as
the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). In "The Lamb," the
speaker asks the lamb who made it and celebrates its innocence and gentleness, which are
also attributes of Christ.
2.​ The image of the child: In the second stanza, the speaker asks the lamb if it knows who
made it and refers to the creator as a child. This image of a child creator echoes the idea of
Jesus as the child born in Bethlehem who embodies the divine in human form.
3.​ The use of the word "thee": The use of the archaic second-person pronoun "thee"
instead of "you" reflects the language of the King James Bible, which was the most common
English translation of the Bible in Blake's time.
4.​ The image of the shepherd: In the final stanza, the speaker refers to the lamb's creator
as a shepherd and asks the lamb to follow him. This image of God as a shepherd is a common
biblical metaphor for the care and protection that God provides for his people (Psalm 23).
5.​ The repetition of the phrase "little lamb": The repetition of the phrase "little lamb"
throughout the poem creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness that reflects the Christian idea
of God as a loving and caring father.
Overall, "The Lamb" reflects Blake's interest in Christian mysticism and his belief in the
innocence and purity of creation. Through its biblical elements, the poem invites the reader to
contemplate the nature of God and the relationship between the divine and the natural world.
4.​ What does the title “Ode: Intimations of Immorality” refers to?
Ans: The title "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" refers to a poem by the
English Romantic poet William Wordsworth, which was first published in 1807. The title
suggests that the poem is an ode, or a type of lyrical poem that is usually addressed to a
specific person, object, or concept. In this case, the ode is addressed to the idea of immortality,
or the belief in the eternal nature of the soul or spirit.The "intimations" part of the title refers to
the idea that human beings have a sense or intuition of their own immortality, even though they
cannot fully understand or articulate it. Wordsworth believed that this sense of immortality is
especially strong in children, who have a closer connection to the natural world and the
divine.The poem itself explores these ideas through a series of reflections on the nature of
childhood, memory, and the passage of time. It begins with the famous lines,
"There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,"
which express the speaker's memory of a time when the world seemed suffused with a divine
presence.
Throughout the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the loss of this sense of the divine as one grows
older and more distant from childhood, and suggests that the memory of this early intuition of
immortality can serve as a source of comfort and hope in the face of mortality. The poem thus
represents a meditation on the nature of human existence and the human experience of time
and eternity.
5.​ What does the speaker mean by “fearful symmetry” in “The Tyger”?
Ans: In William Blake's poem "The Tyger," the speaker uses the phrase
"fearful symmetry" to describe the appearance of the tiger. The phrase is paradoxical, as it
combines the adjective "fearful," which suggests terror and dread, with the noun "symmetry,"
which suggests balance and harmony. This paradoxical phrase is central to the poem's
exploration of the nature of God and creation.
The phrase "fearful symmetry" is repeated twice in the poem, in the first and last stanzas, and is
used to describe the tiger's physical appearance. The tiger is portrayed as a fierce and majestic
creature, with a body that is both beautiful and terrifying. The repetition of the phrase suggests
that the speaker is struggling to reconcile the awe-inspiring beauty of the tiger with its potential
for violence and destruction.
The phrase also carries a deeper symbolic meaning. The "symmetry" of the tiger's body
suggests order and design, which implies the existence of a creator or higher power. The
"fearful" aspect of the symmetry, on the other hand, suggests the presence of darkness, chaos,
and mystery. The paradoxical nature of the phrase thus reflects the speaker's struggle to
understand the dual nature of God and creation.
Overall, the phrase "fearful symmetry" in "The Tyger" represents a paradoxical and complex
relationship between beauty and terror, order and chaos, and creation and destruction. The
speaker's contemplation of this paradoxical nature ultimately leads to a deeper exploration of
the nature of God and the human experience of existence.
6.​ What do “Songs of Innocence” and “Songs of Experience” mean?
Ans: "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" are two collections of
poems by the English Romantic poet William Blake. They were first published in 1789 and 1794,
respectively.
The "Songs of Innocence" collection contains poems that are written from the perspective of a
childlike, innocent narrator who sees the world with wonder and joy. These poems often
celebrate the natural world, childhood, and the simple pleasures of life. They are characterized
by their use of simple language, childlike imagery, and a generally optimistic and joyful tone.
The "Songs of Experience" collection, on the other hand, contains poems that are written from
the perspective of an older, more experienced narrator who has seen the darker side of life.
These poems often explore themes of suffering, corruption, and social injustice, and are
characterized by their use of darker imagery, more complex language, and a generally
pessimistic and mournful tone.
Taken together, the two collections represent a comprehensive exploration of the human
experience, from the innocence and joy of childhood to the suffering and disillusionment of
adulthood. They are often read as a commentary on the social and political conditions of Blake's
time, with the "Songs of Innocence" reflecting the optimism and hope of the early days of the
French Revolution, and the "Songs of Experience" reflecting the disillusionment and despair that
followed.
7.​ ***Compare and contrast Blake’s “The Lamb” and “The Tyger”.
Ans: William Blake's poems "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" are two of his most
famous and frequently anthologized works. While both poems explore the theme of creation and
the nature of God, they approach the subject matter in different ways.
In "The Lamb," Blake uses a gentle, pastoral setting to explore the idea of God as a nurturing,
loving figure. The poem describes a lamb in idyllic terms, using simple language and gentle
imagery to suggest a sense of innocence and peace. The speaker of the poem addresses the
lamb directly, asking it if it knows who made it and suggesting that it was created by a kind and
loving God. The poem concludes with a repetition of the phrase "He is called by thy name, / For
he calls himself a Lamb," reinforcing the idea that God is intimately connected to the lamb and
all of creation.
In contrast, "The Tyger" is a much more complex and enigmatic poem. While it also explores the
theme of creation, it does so in a darker and more ominous way. The poem describes a tiger in
vivid, often frightening terms, using words like "burning bright" and "fearful symmetry" to suggest
the power and majesty of the creature. The speaker of the poem asks a series of rhetorical
questions, wondering how such a creature could have been created and by what means. The
poem ends with the repeated question, "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" suggesting
that the same God who created the gentle, innocent lamb is also responsible for the fierce and
terrifying tiger.
One way to compare and contrast the two poems is to consider their differing tones and
imagery. While both poems are concerned with the nature of God and creation, they approach
the subject matter from opposite perspectives. "The Lamb" is characterized by a sense of
innocence, peace, and pastoral beauty, while "The Tyger" is characterized by a sense of awe,
terror, and complexity. The lamb represents the gentle and nurturing aspects of God, while the
tiger represents the more mysterious and dangerous aspects.
Another way to compare and contrast the two poems is to consider their use of rhetorical
questions. Both poems use this technique to explore the theme of creation, but in different ways.
In "The Lamb," the speaker uses rhetorical questions to gently guide the lamb toward a sense of
understanding and recognition of God's love. In "The Tyger," the speaker uses rhetorical
questions to highlight the mystery and complexity of creation, and to suggest that the true
nature of God's work may be beyond human understanding.
Overall, while both "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" explore the theme of creation and the nature of
God, they do so in very different ways. "The Lamb" celebrates the gentle, nurturing aspects of
God's work, while "The Tyger" explores the darker and more enigmatic aspects. Together, they
represent two sides of a complex and mysterious spiritual universe.
8.​ Explain the following quote from “Introduction” in “Song of Innocence” – ‘And I wrote my
happy songs every child may joy to hear.’
Ans: The quote "And I wrote my happy songs every child may joy to
hear" comes from the "Introduction" of William Blake's "Songs of Innocence." In this poem, the
speaker describes himself as a piper who is piping joyful songs for the children to hear. The
quote is meant to convey the idea that the speaker is creating music and poetry that is meant to
bring happiness and joy to children.
The use of the word "happy" suggests that the songs the speaker is writing are full of positive
emotions and are intended to lift the spirits of the children who hear them. The phrase "every
child may joy to hear" reinforces this idea, suggesting that the songs are meant to be universally
appealing and accessible to all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
This quote is significant because it highlights one of the key themes of "Songs of Innocence,"
which is the celebration of childhood and the joys of youth. The speaker is presenting himself as
a figure who is in tune with the innocence and simplicity of childhood, and his songs are meant
to evoke this sense of wonder and delight. Through this quote, Blake is expressing his belief in
the power of art to uplift and inspire, and his desire to create works that will bring happiness and
beauty to the world.
9.​ How do the chimney-sweepers of Blake’s “Songs of Innocence” and “Songs of
Experience” relate to each other?
Ans: In William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of
Experience," the chimney sweepers are portrayed in two contrasting ways, highlighting the
different perspectives of innocence and experience. In "Songs of Innocence," the chimney
sweepers are depicted as innocent and happy children, while in "Songs of Experience," they are
portrayed as exploited and oppressed.
In "Songs of Innocence," the chimney sweepers are presented as innocent and carefree
children who are "so happy and so good." The poem describes their work as a "little black thing
among the snow" and suggests that they are protected and guided by an angel. The poem
emphasizes the innocence and purity of the children, suggesting that they are not aware of the
harsh realities of their situation.
In contrast, in "Songs of Experience," the chimney sweepers are portrayed as exploited and
oppressed children who are forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The poem
describes them as "blackened corpses" and suggests that they are victims of a system that
values profit over the welfare of its workers. The poem highlights the injustice of their situation,
and the sense of betrayal and disillusionment that comes with experience.
Taken together, the two poems show the transition from innocence to experience, as the
chimney sweepers move from a state of childlike innocence to a more cynical and worldly
understanding of their situation. The contrast between the two depictions of the chimney
sweepers highlights the harsh realities of life, and the loss of innocence that comes with growing
up.
Overall, the chimney sweepers in "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" are related
in that they represent different stages of the same journey from innocence to experience. The
poems illustrate how the same circumstances can be viewed very differently from two different
perspectives, and how the loss of innocence can lead to a deeper understanding of the
complexities of the world.
10.​ Compare the Chimney Sweeper poems exploring the contrasting attitudes.
Ans: William Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper" poems from his "Songs of
Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" explore contrasting attitudes towards the same subject
matter, the life of a chimney sweeper in eighteenth-century London. The two poems portray the
same situation from different perspectives, revealing the contrasting attitudes towards the
exploitation of child labor during this time period.
In "The Chimney Sweeper" from "Songs of Innocence," the speaker is a young chimney
sweeper who is optimistic and hopeful about his situation. He describes himself and his fellow
chimney sweepers as "so happy and so good" and believes that their hard work will be
rewarded with a better life in heaven. The poem emphasizes the innocence and purity of the
children, and suggests that their work is a form of play rather than labor.
In contrast, in "The Chimney Sweeper" from "Songs of Experience," the speaker is a
disillusioned and bitter former chimney sweeper who has grown up and become aware of the
harsh realities of his situation. He describes his experiences as a chimney sweeper as a form of
slavery and laments the fact that the church and society as a whole have failed to protect him
and his fellow sweepers from exploitation.
Taken together, the two poems illustrate the transition from innocence to experience, as the
chimney sweepers move from a state of childlike innocence and naivety to a more cynical and
worldly understanding of their situation. The two poems also represent contrasting attitudes
towards the exploitation of child labor. "The Chimney Sweeper" from "Songs of Innocence"
presents a more idealistic view of the world, in which children are innocent and pure, and their
work is a form of play. "The Chimney Sweeper" from "Songs of Experience," on the other hand,
presents a more cynical view of the world, in which children are exploited and oppressed by a
system that values profit over human life.
Overall, the two poems reveal contrasting attitudes towards the same subject matter,
highlighting the complexities of the world and the varying perspectives that individuals can have
on the same issue.
11.​ **Critically comment on Blake’s treatment of childhood as depicted in the “Songs of
Innocence”.
Ans: William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" is a collection of poems that
idealize childhood as a time of purity, innocence, and joy. The poems celebrate the simple
pleasures of childhood and the natural world, and emphasize the importance of imagination and
creativity. Blake's treatment of childhood in "Songs of Innocence" is characterized by a sense of
wonder and delight, and a belief in the inherent goodness of children.
One of the key themes of "Songs of Innocence" is the innocence and purity of childhood. The
poems present childhood as a time of joy and happiness, free from the corruption and cynicism
of adult life. The children in these poems are depicted as innocent and carefree, and their
experiences are seen as valuable in and of themselves. The poems celebrate the simple
pleasures of childhood, such as playing games, exploring nature, and imagining fantastic
worlds.
Another important aspect of Blake's treatment of childhood in "Songs of Innocence" is the role of
imagination and creativity. The poems suggest that children have a natural capacity for creativity
and imagination, which is essential for their growth and development. The poems also
emphasize the importance of nurturing this creativity, by encouraging children to explore their
imaginations and to express themselves freely.
Overall, Blake's treatment of childhood in "Songs of Innocence" is characterized by a sense of
wonder, delight, and reverence. The poems celebrate the joys of childhood, while also
recognizing the need to protect and nurture children in order to preserve their innocence and
creativity. However, some critics argue that Blake's idealized vision of childhood is overly
sentimental and unrealistic, and fails to acknowledge the darker aspects of childhood, such as
the experiences of poverty, exploitation, and abuse that many children faced during his time.
12.​ **How does Blake portray nature / What view of urban living does Blake present in his
“Songs of Innocence” and “Songs of Experience”?
Ans: In William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience," he
portrays nature and urban living in contrasting ways, reflecting his dual vision of the world.
In "Songs of Innocence," Blake celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature, presenting it as a
source of joy, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. He portrays nature as a place of innocence,
harmony, and simplicity, where humans can reconnect with the divine and rediscover their true
selves. The poems in this collection often use pastoral imagery, such as lambs, birds, and
flowers, to evoke a sense of innocence and purity.
On the other hand, in "Songs of Experience," Blake presents a more critical view of urban living,
portraying it as a place of corruption, oppression, and moral decay. He depicts the city as a
place where humans are cut off from nature, and where the pursuit of wealth and power has led
to the degradation of the human spirit. The poems in this collection often use images of
factories, chimneys, and polluted air to evoke a sense of darkness and oppression.
Overall, Blake's portrayal of nature and urban living in "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of
Experience" reflects his complex understanding of the human condition. His vision of nature as
a source of innocence and purity stands in contrast to his view of urban living as a site of
oppression and moral decay. These contrasting views reflect his belief in the importance of
preserving the natural world and the need to resist the forces of industrialization and
urbanization that threaten to destroy it.
13.​ **Evaluate Blake as a social critic based on your reading of his poems.
Ans: William Blake is widely regarded as a social critic who used his poetry to
comment on the pressing social issues of his time. His poems often deal with issues such as
poverty, exploitation, and injustice, and he is known for his fierce criticism of the social and
political systems that perpetuate these problems.
One of the key themes in Blake's poetry is the oppression and exploitation of the poor and
working classes. He portrays the poor as victims of a corrupt social order, and he criticizes the
wealthy and powerful for their role in perpetuating this system. For example, in "London" from
"Songs of Experience," Blake describes the suffering and misery of the poor in the city, and he
blames the ruling classes for their plight.
In addition to his criticism of the social and political systems of his time, Blake is also known for
his critique of the church and organized religion. He saw religion as a tool of social control, used
by the powerful to maintain their dominance over the poor and working classes. He often used
biblical imagery and language to expose the hypocrisy and moral corruption of the religious
authorities.
Overall, Blake's poetry can be seen as a powerful critique of the social and political systems of
his time. His work exposes the injustices and inequalities that were pervasive in 18th and 19th
century England, and it calls for a more just and equitable society. His work continues to inspire
social activists and critics today, and it remains an important contribution to the history of social
criticism in literature.
14.​ What are Blake’s favorite images of innocence, and how does he use them?
Ans: In William Blake's "Songs of Innocence," he employs a variety of
images of innocence that are central to his poetic vision. Here are a few of his favorite images of
innocence and how he uses them:
1.​ The Lamb: The lamb is a symbol of innocence and purity in Blake's poetry. He often
uses it to represent the childlike qualities of innocence and simplicity, as well as the beauty of
the natural world.
2.​ The Child: Children are another key image of innocence in Blake's poetry. He sees
children as pure and uncorrupted by the social and political systems of the world, and he often
uses them to symbolize the potential for a better, more just society.
3.​ The Shepherd: The shepherd is a figure of pastoral innocence in Blake's poetry. He
represents a simple, idyllic way of life that is free from the corruption and oppression of the city.
4.​ Nature: Nature is a central image of innocence in Blake's poetry, representing a world
that is unspoiled by human society. He sees nature as a source of joy, inspiration, and spiritual
renewal, and he often uses pastoral imagery to evoke a sense of innocence and purity.
Overall, these images of innocence are central to Blake's poetic vision, and they are used to
convey his belief in the importance of preserving the natural world, protecting the vulnerable,
and resisting the corrupting influence of social and political systems. Through his use of these
images, Blake celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world, while also calling for a more just
and equitable society.
15.​ Evaluate Blake as a harbinger of the “Romantic Revival” in English literature.
Ans: William Blake is widely regarded as a major figure in the "Romantic
Revival" in English literature, a movement that sought to break free from the conventions and
restrictions of the Enlightenment and to explore the full range of human emotions and
experiences. Here are some ways in which Blake can be seen as a harbinger of the Romantic
Revival:
1.​ Emphasis on the Imagination: One of the key features of the Romantic Revival was its
emphasis on the imagination as a powerful creative force. Blake saw the imagination as a
means of accessing the spiritual and the divine, and he often used visionary imagery to explore
mystical and transcendent themes.
2.​ Love of Nature: Another key feature of the Romantic Revival was its love of nature and
the natural world. Blake celebrated the beauty and wonder of the natural world in his poetry,
using pastoral imagery to evoke a sense of innocence and purity.
3.​ Critique of Society: The Romantics were also known for their critique of the social and
political systems of their time, and Blake was no exception. He saw the ruling classes as corrupt
and oppressive, and he used his poetry to call for a more just and equitable society.
4.​ Focus on the Individual: The Romantics emphasized the importance of the individual and
their unique experiences and perspectives. Blake celebrated the individual's creative and
spiritual potential and often used personal experience as the basis for his poetry.
Overall, Blake can be seen as a precursor to the Romantic Revival in English literature,
embodying many of the key features of the movement in his poetry. His emphasis on the
imagination, love of nature, critique of society, and focus on the individual were all central to the
Romantic ethos and continue to influence poets and writers today.
16.​ Blake wrote in and through symbols. Discuss.
Ans: William Blake was a poet who used symbols extensively in his works.
He believed that the power of the imagination was the key to unlocking spiritual and creative
potential and that symbols were a powerful way to communicate complex ideas and emotions.
Here are some ways in which Blake wrote in and through symbols:
1.​ The Lamb and the Tyger: In "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience," Blake
used the images of the lamb and the tyger as symbols of innocence and experience,
respectively. The lamb represents the gentle, innocent side of humanity, while the tyger
represents the fierce, savage aspect of human nature. Through these symbols, Blake explored
the duality of human nature and the relationship between innocence and experience.
2.​ The Tree of Knowledge: In his long poem "Milton," Blake used the image of the Tree of
Knowledge as a symbol of the power of the imagination to unlock spiritual truths. By eating from
the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Eve gain the ability to see beyond the limitations of their
physical senses and to access a deeper understanding of the world around them.
3.​ The Chimney Sweeper: In "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience," Blake used
the image of the chimney sweeper as a symbol of the oppression and exploitation of the poor.
The chimney sweeper represents the young, innocent victims of a society that values profit over
human life.
4.​ The Sunflower: In his poem "Ah! Sunflower," Blake used the image of the sunflower as a
symbol of the human soul's yearning for spiritual fulfillment. The sunflower turns towards the
sun, seeking enlightenment and transcendence.
Through his use of symbols, Blake was able to convey complex ideas and emotions in a
concise and powerful way. His symbols are often open to multiple interpretations, allowing
readers to engage with his works on a deeper level and to draw their own meanings from his
poetry.
17.​ How does Blake explore the ‘two contrary states of the human soul’ in “Songs of
Innocence and Experience”?
Ans: In "Songs of Innocence and Experience," William Blake explores the
"two contrary states of the human soul" - innocence and experience - and the tension between
them. Here are some ways in which Blake explores this theme:
1.​ Childhood: In "Songs of Innocence," Blake presents a world of innocent children who are
free from the corruption and oppression of experience. However, in "Songs of Experience," he
shows how childhood innocence is corrupted by the harsh realities of the world. For example, in
"The Chimney Sweeper," Blake contrasts the joy and freedom of the innocent chimney sweeper
with the exploitation and suffering of the experienced chimney sweeper.
2.​ Nature: In "Songs of Innocence," Blake presents nature as a harmonious and nurturing
force that is in tune with the innocence of childhood. However, in "Songs of Experience," he
shows how nature can also be cruel and destructive. For example, in "The Sick Rose," Blake
uses the image of a flower destroyed by a worm to symbolize the corruption and decay of
experience.
3.​ Religion: In "Songs of Innocence," Blake presents religion as a source of comfort and
guidance for the innocent. However, in "Songs of Experience," he shows how religion can also
be used to oppress and control people. For example, in "The Tyger," Blake questions the idea of
a benevolent creator by asking how a God who created the gentle lamb could also create the
fierce tyger.
Through these and other examples, Blake explores the tension between innocence and
experience and the ways in which experience can corrupt and destroy innocence. He suggests
that the human soul is constantly moving between these two states and that it is important to
maintain a balance between them in order to achieve spiritual wholeness.
18.​ “The Introduction” to “Songs of Experience” and “Earth’s answer” are closely related
poems. Discuss.
Ans: "The Introduction" to "Songs of Experience" and "Earth's Answer" are
closely related poems that share similar themes and ideas.
In "The Introduction," Blake presents the idea that the songs of experience are necessary in
order to fully understand and appreciate the songs of innocence. He argues that the two states
of the human soul - innocence and experience - are necessary for spiritual growth and that one
cannot exist without the other. The poem ends with the lines "Without contraries is no
progression," suggesting that the tension between the two states is necessary for spiritual
progress.
"Earth's Answer," on the other hand, is a response to the corruption and oppression of the world
as depicted in "The Clod and the Pebble" from "Songs of Innocence." In this poem, the voice of
the earth laments the fact that humanity has turned away from nature and embraced the false
values of wealth and power. The poem presents a stark contrast between the purity and
innocence of nature and the corruption and oppression of human society.
Despite their differences in tone and subject matter, "The Introduction" and "Earth's Answer"
share a common theme - the need for balance and harmony between the opposing forces of
innocence and experience. "The Introduction" argues that both states are necessary for spiritual
growth, while "Earth's Answer" suggests that the corruption and oppression of experience can
be overcome by returning to the innocence and purity of nature. Both poems suggest that the
tension between the two states is necessary for progress and that only through a balance of the
two can true spiritual wholeness be achieved.
19.​ Find out the effects of industrial revolution in the poems of William Blake.
Ans: William Blake's poems are full of references to the effects of the
industrial revolution on society, particularly on the poor and working class. Some of the effects of
industrialization that Blake highlights in his poems include:
1.​ The exploitation of workers: In poems such as "The Chimney Sweeper" and "London,"
Blake depicts the terrible working conditions and exploitation that many working-class people
experienced during the industrial revolution. He portrays them as oppressed and helpless,
forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions for meager wages.
2.​ The loss of human connection and community: In his poem "The Garden of Love," Blake
laments the loss of a simpler, more communal way of life in the face of industrialization. He
suggests that the mechanization of society has led to a lack of genuine human connection and a
loss of the natural world.
3.​ The destruction of the environment: Blake also criticizes the environmental destruction
that accompanied industrialization. In his poem "The Fly," he uses the image of a fly being
crushed to comment on the larger destruction of the natural world that was taking place.
4.​ The dehumanization of individuals: In his poem "The Human Abstract," Blake explores
the ways in which industrialization and the pursuit of profit can lead to the dehumanization of
individuals. He suggests that the emphasis on material success can cause people to become
cold, calculating, and cruel.
Overall, Blake's poems present a powerful critique of the negative effects of the industrial
revolution on society. He portrays a world in which people have lost touch with their humanity,
and he suggests that only by returning to a simpler, more spiritual way of life can we hope to
regain what has been lost.
20.​ What is supernaturalism? Who does make use of it in English Romantic Poetry?
Ans: Supernaturalism refers to the belief in and use of supernatural elements,
such as ghosts, demons, magic, and the occult, in art, literature, and culture. In English
Romantic Poetry, many poets made use of supernaturalism as a way to explore the mysteries of
life, death, and the universe, and to express a sense of awe and wonder about the natural
world.
One of the key poets who used supernaturalism in his work was Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who
is perhaps best known for his poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." This poem tells the story
of a sailor who has a supernatural encounter with a ghostly ship and is haunted by his actions
for the rest of his life. Coleridge also wrote extensively about dreams and the supernatural in his
"Kubla Khan" and "Christabel" poems.
Another poet who made use of supernaturalism was William Blake, who believed in the power
of imagination and saw the world as a place full of spiritual energy. His work often features
angels, demons, and other supernatural beings, and he was interested in exploring the
boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms.
Other Romantic poets, such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron, also made
use of supernatural elements in their work. For example, Keats wrote about fairies, witches, and
supernatural visions in his "Ode to a Nightingale," while Shelley explored the idea of an
immortal, supernatural being in his poem "Prometheus Unbound."
Overall, the use of supernaturalism was a key feature of English Romantic Poetry, allowing
poets to explore the unknown and the mysterious, and to express their sense of wonder and
awe about the natural world.