William Blake's Mastery of English Prosody: Understanding His Metrical Skill and Influence on Nineteenth-Century Poets

Introduction

William Blake is one of the most revered poets of the Romantic era. His works are celebrated for their unique and mystical qualities that combine profound spiritual insight with inventive language and imagery. Blake's poems also demonstrate a remarkable mastery of English prosody, which has made him an influential figure in the development of modern poetry. In our discussion, we will examine how Blake's metrical skill has been presented by critics, and how his influence can be seen in the work of other nineteenth-century poets.

Blake's Metrical Skill

Saintsbury's Presentation

William Blake 

George Saintsbury, a prominent literary critic of the early twentieth century, wrote extensively about Blake's poetic technique. In his book "A History of English Prosody," he notes that Blake's poetry "is very various in metre, from the simplest iambic to the most complicated anapaestic, and shows a mastery of rhythmical effect that is extraordinary." Saintsbury also highlights Blake's use of "strange, syncopated measures," which he argues "have a singular charm, but are very difficult to scan." In short, Saintsbury praises Blake's ability to experiment with different metrical patterns while still maintaining a consistent sense of rhythm and melody.

Blake's Own Words

Blake himself was also keenly aware of the importance of meter in poetry. In a letter to his friend Thomas Butts, he wrote, "I consider Punctuation, in Poetry, as a necessary part of the work: I mean, that a Poet who is Great & mature, does not choose to leave the Manner of his execution to chance, & careless composition." This statement underscores Blake's belief that the deliberate use of meter and punctuation is essential to creating a successful poem.

 Blake is known for his distinctive metrical skill. He has the mastery of meter, along with variations. Blake employed a wide range of metrical patterns throughout his poetry, demonstrating his versatility and command over different rhythmic structures. For instance, in his poem "The Tyger," he used trochaic tetrameter, a metrical pattern with stressed syllables followed by unstressed ones:

Tyger Tyger, burning bright

In the forests of the night

The trochaic meter creates a strong and powerful rhythm, amplifying the imagery and intensity of the poem.

Another metrical pattern Blake frequently employed is anapestic meter, which consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one. This rhythmic pattern adds a lively and energetic quality to his verses. In "The Chimney Sweeper," he used anapestic tetrameter:

When my mother died I was very young,

And my father sold me while yet my tongue

 Could scarcely cry weep weep weep weep. 

The anapestic meter in these lines propels the poem forward, creating a sense of urgency and capturing the speaker's poignant experience.

Blake also employed iambic tetrameter, a metrical pattern consisting of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, in many of his poems. This pattern is often associated with a natural and regular flow. In "The Garden of Love," he employed this meter:

I went to the Garden of Love,

And saw what I never had seen:

The iambic tetrameter in these lines establishes a gentle and contemplative rhythm, enhancing the meditative tone of the poem.

 While Blake was skilled in traditional metrical patterns, he also experimented with free verse, which lacks a strict metrical structure. This allowed him to break free from conventional forms and explore more unconventional ideas and themes. In "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell," he utilized free verse to create a sense of freedom and chaos:

Prisons are built with stones of Law,

Brothels with bricks of Religion

The absence of a fixed meter in these lines gives them a unique and unbounded quality, reflecting the rebellious and visionary spirit of Blake's work.

Blake's Influence on Nineteenth-Century Poets

Coleridge

One of the most notable poets who was influenced by Blake's use of prosody was Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Coleridge was a close friend of Blake and was familiar with his work. In his own poetry, Coleridge experimented with unusual meter and rhyme schemes, often adopting Blake's approach of using irregular rhythms to create a sense of heightened emotion. Coleridge's "Kubla Khan" is a notable example of this technique, with its complex meter and hauntingly beautiful melody.

Shelley

Percy Bysshe Shelley was also deeply influenced by Blake's prosody. In particular, Shelley was drawn to Blake's use of trochaic tetrameter, which he used in his own poem "The Witch of Atlas." Shelley's use of this meter created a sense of urgency and intensity that was typical of Blake's work.

Keats

Finally, John Keats was another poet who was influenced by Blake's use of meter. Keats admired Blake's ability to create a sense of melody and rhythm within his poetry, and he incorporated similar techniques into his own work. In particular, Keats was drawn to Blake's use of alliteration and repetition, which he used to great effect in his own famous ode, "To Autumn."

Conclusion

In conclusion, William Blake's mastery of English prosody has made him one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era. His ability to experiment with different metrical patterns while maintaining a consistent sense of rhythm and melody has inspired countless poets, from Coleridge and Shelley to Keats and beyond. By understanding Blake's use of prosody, we can gain a deeper appreciation for his poetry and its lasting impact on the world of literature.

Know More

What is prosody?

Prosody is the study of the rhythmic and melodic aspects of a poem.

How did Blake's use of prosody differ from other poets of his time?

Blake's use of prosody differed from other poets of his time in that he was more experimental and less concerned with strict adherence to traditional meters and rhyme schemes. He often used irregular rhythms and syncopated measures to create a sense of melody and emotion.

Was Blake's use of prosody well-received during his lifetime?

Blake's use of prosody was not widely appreciated during his lifetime. His poetry was often considered too strange and unconventional, and it was only in later years that his unique approach to meter and rhythm began to gain more widespread recognition.

Did Blake's influence on nineteenth-century poets extend beyond English literature?

Yes, Blake's influence on nineteenth-century poets extended beyond English literature. His innovative use of prosody and language was admired by poets in other languages, such as the French symbolists and German Romantics.

How can readers today appreciate Blake's use of prosody in his poetry?

Readers can appreciate Blake's use of prosody by paying close attention to the rhythm, meter, and melody of his poetry. By analyzing the various patterns and techniques he employs, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of his work and its lasting influence on modern poetry.

Ardhendu De

References

1. Full text of “The Letters Of William Blake.” (n.d.). Full Text of “the Letters of William Blake.” https://archive.org/stream/lettersofwilliam002199mbp/lettersofwilliam002199mbp_djvu.txt

2. A History Of English Prosody Vol. 3 : George Saintsbury : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.93977

3. A History Of English Prosody Vol. 2 : George Saintsbury : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.95238

4. A History Of English Prosody Vol. 1 : Saintsbury George : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.93134