Blake: Songs of Experience: Introduction: Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
A prophetic speaker to call for a spiritual awakening, urging the Earth to rise from its slumber.
The poem symbolises a struggle between reason and a higher truth.
Quotes:
Key Quotes (There are 3)
‘Whose voice has heard the holy word’ - possessive - this is truly the voice of God - links to show the church justifies its abuse and corruption through the Bible
O Earth, O Earth return (…) turn away no more - the bard is presented as being more loving - links to creation story - When God made the earth everything was perfect - human corruption - calling it back to perfectness
Rises from the slumberous mass - calling people to be one with God again - links to Jesus’s resurrection.
Form and Structure:
What is the form/structure like?
The poem has four-line stanzas with a steady rhythm
The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, creating a harmonious flow e.g. line A rhyme with line A line B rhymes with line B
The structure reflects a prophetic tone, with the speaker urging spiritual awakening and renewal.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. innocence vs. experience:
The poem introduces the contrast between the pure state of innocence and the more complex, often harsh reality of experience, which is central to the Songs of Experience
Themes:
Key themes e.g. reason vs truth:
There is a struggle between reason (often associated with rationality and societal norms) and a higher, divine truth or spiritual enlightenment.
Key themes:
Key themes e.g. corruption and fall:
The poem shows the idea of fallen light, suggesting a loss of spiritual purity and the need for renewal.
Context:
What is the context of Blake?
This poem critiques societal norms and organized religion, contrasting innocence with experience.
Written during the Romantic period, it reflects Blake’s concerns about the loss of spiritual purity and social injustice amid political and industrial changes.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could it link to?
The Tyger (SOE) – Explores the contrast between innocence and experience
The Chimney Sweeper (SOE) – Critiques child labour and exploitation, linking to broader social criticism
A Poison Tree (SOE) – Explores suppressed anger and resentment, similar to darker human nature
