Blake's Poetry

Question 1

London - Ecocritical

Answer 1

“Chartered Thames”, “Runs in blood down palace walls”

Blake exposes the unfair domination of nature by humanity.
Criticizes humanity for ignoring the cries of nature
Bourgeoisie ignoring the suffering of nature & the poor.

Question 2

Blake - Historical Context

Answer 2

• Blake lives throughout the Industrial Revolution (1750-1900), a Romantic poet
• Inspired by the French Rev. and the American Declaration of Independence in the late 18th Century, witnessed continuous political & social change.
• Blake took place in the Gordon Riots of 1780, opposing the restrictions placed on Roman Catholics.

Question 3

Revolutionary Blake (Critic)

Answer 3

Gilchrist (1863): “He donned the symbol of liberty and equality the bonnet rouge” - Blake wore the bonnet rouge in response to the French Revolution.

Question 4

Tiger - Ecocritical

Answer 4

“Burning bright” - energy & overwhelming power of Industrialisation
“In the forests of the night” - Humanities destruction of nature, using the Tiger, a metaphorical weapon for humanity:
“anvil, chain, hammer” - Industrial language

Question 5

Echoing Green - Ecocritical

Answer 5

First 2 stanzas: “Among the old folk. They laugh at our play”, “Sitting under the oak”, “cheerful”
Nature coexisting with humanity
However, as society progresses:
“Darkening green” & The Garden of Love “A chapel was built in the midst, Where I used to play on the green.”