Blake: Songs of Experience: The Sick Rose Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
Blake shows the corruption of innocence through a rose that becomes “sick” due to a hidden, destructive force represented by a “worm”.
Quotes:
Key Quotes (There are 2)
‘The invisible worm’ - not real - corruption is hid well - dangerous - church criticism - church may not think anyone sees it but God does - he will deliver his judgement. Corruption kills from within - jealousy v fear killing hope - Appearance v reality
His dark secret love - a corrupt ‘love’ - possessiveness - secret - you want more - circle of corruption - addictive.
Form and Structure:
What is the form/structure like?
The poem has an ABAB rhyme scheme and consists of two four-line stanzas.
The simple, regular structure contrasts with the dark, symbolic themes of corruption and decay, emphasizing the poem’s unsettling message.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. corruption and destruction:
The poem symbolises the destructive power of hidden forces, as the rose is “sick” due to the secretive “worm” that damages it.
This can represent the corrupting influence of concealed desires or forces.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. innocence and loss:
The rose, often a symbol of purity and innocence, becomes sick, suggesting the loss or destruction of innocence through unseen, corrupting influences.
Context:
What is the context of Blake?
Written in the late 18th century, explores themes of corruption, hidden desires, and the loss of innocence.
Blake critiques societal repression and decay, using the poem to reflect on how destructive forces undermine purity and innocence.
Industrialisation lead to greed and corruption. This was seen through the church and child exploitation.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could it link to?
‘The Garden of Love’ (SOE) critiques societal repression and how religious institutions suppress natural desires.
“The Tyger” (SOE) contrasts beauty with destruction, similar to how The Sick Rose shows innocence being corrupted by hidden forces.
