Blake: Songs of Experience: The Human Abstract: Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
The poem criticizes abstract virtues like pity, mercy, and peace, showing that they are often used to hide negative traits like hypocrisy and self-interest.
Blake argues that these virtues, when not connected to real life, become tools for manipulation instead of true morality.
The poem suggests that true virtue comes from real, lived experience.
Key Quotes:
What are the key quotes? (THERE ARE 3)
‘Mutual fear brings Peace’ - paradox - as a society we have become blind - the church uses fear in order to control others.
‘Waters the ground with tears’ - Water is supposed to help things grow - justifies suffering. Church says to continue to live in the suffering that people do as God is testing them and their reward will be in Heaven.
‘Fruit of Deceit, ruddy and sweet to eat’ - Biblical - Adam and Eve ate the fruit - cast forever - temptation - could also be the church talking - justifying W/C suffering - if you give into temptation it leads to death.
Form/Structure:
What is the form and structure?
The poem has four stanzas with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme.
The simple, steady structure contrasts with the complex themes, highlighting the artificial nature of abstract virtues and the hidden negative qualities they mask.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. corruption of morality
Blake suggests that abstract virtues, when disconnected from real human experience, become tools of manipulation and corruption, rather than genuine expressions of morality.
Key Themes:
What are the key themes e.g. critique of society
The poem critiques how society uses false ideals to conceal its darker, more selfish qualities, masking true compassion and justice.
Context:
What is the context for this poem?
Blake critiques societal and religious institutions.
Blake argues that abstract virtues like pity and mercy are often used to mask hypocrisy and self-interest.
He believes true morality should be based on lived experience, not on idealised, artificial concepts.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could this link to?
Holy Thursday (SOI) - They both criticise the exploitation of innocence for personal gain.
The Clod and the Pebble (SOE) - They both show how selflessness can have harmful intentions e.g. be used as manipulation.
“The Chimney Sweeper” (SOE) – Like The Human Abstract, this poem critiques how society and religion exploit innocence and justify suffering through false ideals.
