Analyzing William Blake’s Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794)

“An honesty against which the whole world conspires because it is unpleasant.” -T. S. Eliot

William Blake was hardly known in his life time though he was most original, strongly individualistic, and mostly a solitary figure. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, through his edition of Blake’s poems, brought him to public attention. In fact, Blake was a genius who distinguished himself in poetry, engraving and painting. He lived in London unlike many other poets who lived in the countryside. He had little formal education, but he taught himself. He was teepee in the Bible, Elizabethan literature and Milton. He knew many language including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French and Italian.

Blake was a man of vision who saw ultimate truth at moments of great illumination. Vision is for him the great secret of life. His endive work poetry or panting is an attempt to develop this faculty of vision so that man seems to understand and thereby forgive and at righty. 

William Blake's Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience  (1794) are two interconnected collections of poems that offer contrasting perspectives on childhood, nature, and society. Through imagery, symbolism, and narrative, Blake explores the complexities of human existence and the tension between innocence and experience. They are also his best-known works of poetry and have had a lasting influence on children’s literature. Blake’s Songs of Innocence (1789) Created through a new process called illuminated painting are examples of originality. He equated his extreme sense of freedom and happiness to the condition of childhood. In these poems, he says that childhood is the original state of happiness, ultimate enjoyment and unity. Some Songs, such as the “Introduction” and “The Lamb,” explore the innocence of children’s understanding of God and the natural world. In his Songs of Experience (1794) he expresses his deep indignation at the hypocrisy and cruelly in the world. In the marriage of Heaven and Hell he affirms the re-integration of the human soul divided by Innocence (Heaven) and Experience. For example, “The Chimney Sweeper” and “The Garden of Love,” reveal the hardships both children and adults must confront in the unsheltered world of “experience.” 

Key Themes and Contrasts

1. Innocence vs. Experience:

   • Innocence: In Songs of Innocence, Blake portrays a world of idyllic childhood, characterized by joy, freedom, and harmony with nature. Children are seen as pure and untainted by the corruptions of society.
   • Experience: In Songs of Experience, the innocence of childhood is shattered by the harsh realities of life. Children are confronted with oppression, injustice, and the loss of their innocence.

2. Nature:

   • Innocence: Nature is depicted as a benevolent force, providing solace and inspiration.
   • Experience: Nature can be both beautiful and cruel, reflecting the complexities of human existence.

3. Society:

   • Innocence: Society is idealized as a harmonious community where everyone lives in peace and harmony.
   • Experience: Society is often portrayed as corrupt and oppressive, with institutions such as the church and government contributing to human suffering.

4. Religion:

   • Innocence: Religion is seen as a source of comfort and hope.
   • Experience: Religion can be a tool of oppression and hypocrisy.

Notable Poems and Their Analysis

• "The Lamb" vs. "The Tyger": These poems present contrasting images of innocence and experience. The lamb symbolizes purity and gentleness, while the tiger represents the destructive power of nature and human society.
• "The Chimney Sweeper" (Innocence) vs. "The Chimney Sweeper" (Experience): These poems explore the plight of child laborers. The innocence version offers a hopeful perspective, while the experience version reveals the harsh realities of their lives.
• "London" vs. "Jerusalem": These poems contrast the urban and rural environments. "London" depicts the city as a place of poverty, oppression, and despair, while "Jerusalem" offers a vision of a utopian society.

Blake's Poetic Techniques

• Symbolism: Blake uses symbols such as the lamb, the tiger, and the chimney sweeper to represent broader themes and ideas.
• Imagery: Vivid imagery creates a sensory experience for the reader, bringing the poems to life.
• Contrast: Blake often contrasts opposing ideas or images to highlight the complexities of human existence.
• Allegory: Some poems can be interpreted as allegories, with characters and events representing abstract concepts.

By analyzing Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Blake's exploration of human nature, society, and the complexities of life.

Ardhendu De

Ref: 1. History of English Literature- Albert     

     2. The Concise Cambridge History of English Literature

      3. Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults