Blake: Songs of Experience: Earth's Answer: Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
In this poem, Blake shows the Earth as speaking out against oppressive forces, expressing sorrow over its repression but vowing to rise and reclaim its power.
The poem reflects themes of defiance, freedom, and rebellion against authority.
Quotes:
Key Quotes (There are 3)
‘Selfish father of men’ - the earth implies this is not God’s messenger - God is not like that - People can see corruption.
‘Spring hides its joy when buds and blossoms’ - the earth uses its nature as an argument for freedom
‘Break this heavy chain (…) free the love with bondage bound’ - Blake’s message is let love occur naturally and take prominence- love should not be forced otherwise it becomes fear - that is what the church has done with God.
Form and Structure:
What is the form/structure like?
The poem has a simple AABB rhyme scheme, with four stanzas. The meter is mostly iambic but irregular, and repetition emphasizes the Earth’s defiance.
The structure mirrors the Earth’s transition from sorrow to empowerment, highlighting themes of rebellion and freedom.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. oppression and repression:
The Earth expresses sorrow and frustration over being held down by societal, religious, and institutional forces.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. rebellion and defiance:
The Earth rejects the oppressive forces that constrain it, symbolising a desire for freedom and resistance against authority.
Context:
What is the context of Blake?
Blake portrays the Earth as defying oppressive forces but vowing to rise and reclaim its power.
The poem reflects themes of rebellion, freedom, and the strength of nature, critiquing societal and religious constraints.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could it link to?
“The Garden of Love” (SOE) – Both critique societal and religious repression of natural instincts.
“The Chimney Sweeper” (SOE) – Both address themes of suffering and repression.
