Subjects

English Literature

Poetry ii

Identify and explain the function of an image or imagery

Discover Blake's Natural Imagery and Security in Night Poem for Kids

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Brand: Knowunity

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Discover Blake's Natural Imagery and Security in Night Poem for Kids

Isabel Last

@isabellast_sbnm

164 Followers

Overall Summary
A comprehensive analysis of William Blake's poems from Songs of Innocence and Experience, exploring themes of nature, religion, and social criticism through various poetic devices and imagery. The collection demonstrates Blake's masterful use of contrasts between innocence and experience, particularly evident in his treatment of religious institutions and natural imagery.

Explores Blake's natural imagery in night and its religious symbolism
Examines the relationship between humanity and nature across multiple poems
Analyzes the criticism of social institutions and organized religion
Discusses the use of various poetic devices including rhyme schemes and metaphors
Highlights themes of childhood innocence versus worldly experience

7/4/2022

195

Poem
Night
Earth's Answer
The Echoing Green
On Another's Sorrow
AO2
In "Night" Blake describes the sun and all of the
animals he sees settli

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The Human Abstract

"The Human Abstract" delves deeper into Blake's critique of societal [virtues](https://knowunity.co.uk/knows/religious-studies-the-foundation-of-virtue-ethics-aristotle-and-the-concept-of-happiness-89f15f7b-76d9-4b45-8083-62de39c2ba3c?utm_content=seo_link) and human nature in Songs of Innocence and Experience.

The poem analyzes four virtues - Pity, Mercy, Peace, and Love - arguing that these virtues could not exist without societal negatives such as poverty, fear, and selfishness.

Quote: "Pity would be no more / If we did not make somebody Poor"

Blake uses the extended metaphor of a tree growing in the human brain to represent how intellectualized values can lead to cruelty and deceit.

Highlight: The tree's roots are humility, its leaves are mystery, and its fruit is deceit, symbolizing the growth of negative traits from seemingly positive virtues.

The poem's structure, consisting of six quatrains with rhyming couplets and a harsh rhythm, reinforces its critical message.

Example: "And Mutual fear brings peace, / Till the selfish loves increase"

"The Human Abstract" challenges readers to reconsider conventional notions of virtue and morality, suggesting that abstract reasoning can undermine more natural, instinctive values.

View

Night and Earth's Answer

In "Night" and "Earth's Answer," William Blake explores the themes of nature, security, and the human spirit through vivid imagery and symbolism.

"Night" presents a harmonious natural world where animals settle to sleep, using natural imagery to emphasize the importance of nature and its connection to the divine. The poem suggests that humans should emulate the protective behavior of animals.

Highlight: The lion in "Night" may serve as a metaphor for ideal human behavior, protecting the innocent lamb (representing the Earth).

"Earth's Answer" takes a darker turn, personifying Earth as trapped by industrialization. The poem contrasts with the innocence portrayed in "Night," presenting night as a metaphor for evil.

Quote: "Earth raised up her head / With grey despair"

Vocabulary: Personification - attributing human characteristics to non-human things or ideas.

The poems use religious imagery to emphasize the importance of protecting nature, drawing Biblical parallels to reinforce this message.

Example: The use of the lamb as a symbol connects to Christian imagery of Christ as the Lamb of God.

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London and The Divine Image

"London" and "The Divine Image" present contrasting views of human society and spirituality in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience.

"London" offers a scathing critique of urban life and social constraints. Blake uses vivid imagery to depict the city as a place of suffering and oppression.

Quote: "I wander thro' each charter'd street, / Near where the charter'd Thames does flow"

Highlight: The repetition of "charter'd" emphasizes the pervasive control and restriction in London society.

The poem employs a structured rhyme scheme and quatrains to mirror the constricting nature of society it describes.

"The Divine Image" presents a more optimistic view of humanity, focusing on virtues that represent both divine and human qualities.

Example: The poem personifies virtues such as Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love as both divine attributes and human characteristics.

Both poems explore the theme of the human spirit, with "London" showing its suppression and "The Divine Image" celebrating its potential for virtue.

View

Themes and Authorial Intent

William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience" explores several key themes throughout the collection:

Nature: Blake presents nature as sacred and closely connected to the divine. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the natural world from industrialization and human corruption.

Quote: "The sun does arise, / And make happy the skies" (from "The Echoing Green")

Strength and Security: The poems highlight the importance of providing safety and security, especially for the innocent. This theme is often linked to the idea of divine protection.

Example: In "Night," the lion acts as a protector of the flock, symbolizing the ideal of strength used to safeguard the vulnerable.

Human Spirit: Blake consistently explores the human spirit's potential and the ways it can be suppressed or liberated. He critiques societal constraints that limit human freedom and imagination.

Highlight: "London" vividly depicts the "mind-forg'd manacles" that restrict human potential in urban society.

Blake's authorial intent appears to be multifaceted:

To challenge readers to question societal norms and institutions, particularly those that limit human freedom and imagination.
To emphasize the importance of maintaining a connection with nature and the divine.
To contrast the innocence of childhood with the corruption of adult society, encouraging readers to reconsider their values and perceptions.

Quote: "If we all strive to look after our environment and mother nature we will be rewarded with eternal happiness"

By juxtaposing innocence and experience, Blake creates a powerful commentary on human nature, society, and spirituality, inviting readers to seek a more imaginative and compassionate way of living.

View

Page 5: Nature and Education

The analysis focuses on Blake's views on education and nature, particularly through "Nurse's Song" and "The Schoolboy". The text examines how Blake promotes natural education over formal systems.

Quote: Children are described as being educated through nature rather than formal systems.

Highlight: The nurse's "heart at rest" symbolizes the harmony between childhood and natural learning.

View

The Echoing Green and On Another's Sorrow

"The Echoing Green" and "On Another's Sorrow" continue Blake's exploration of innocence, nature, and the human spirit in Songs of Innocence and Experience.

"The Echoing Green" uses color symbolism and positive language to portray the importance of nature. The poem presents the oak tree as a metaphor for good governance or religion that ensures harmony between generations and nature.

Highlight: The poem uses symbols to show the aging process, with old folk providing security for children to maintain their innocence.

Quote: "The sun does arise, / And make happy the skies"

"On Another's Sorrow" questions religious teachings and emphasizes Swedenborgian values of safety and security. The poem employs various poetic devices to convey its message.

Vocabulary: Swedenborgian - relating to the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, which influenced Blake's work.

Example: The poem uses emotive interrogatives to challenge conventional religious ideas, such as "Can I see another's woe, / And not be in sorrow too?"

Both poems highlight Blake's belief in the importance of protecting innocence and maintaining a connection with nature.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Subjects

English Literature

Poetry ii

Identify and explain the function of an image or imagery

Discover Blake's Natural Imagery and Security in Night Poem for Kids

Isabel Last

@isabellast_sbnm

164 Followers

Explores Blake's natural imagery in night and its religious symbolism
Examines the relationship between humanity and nature across multiple poems
Analyzes the criticism of social institutions and organized religion
Discusses the use of various poetic devices including rhyme schemes and metaphors
Highlights themes of childhood innocence versus worldly experience

7/4/2022

195

12/13

English Literature

The Human Abstract

The poem analyzes four virtues - Pity, Mercy, Peace, and Love - arguing that these virtues could not exist without societal negatives such as poverty, fear, and selfishness.

Quote: "Pity would be no more / If we did not make somebody Poor"

Blake uses the extended metaphor of a tree growing in the human brain to represent how intellectualized values can lead to cruelty and deceit.

Highlight: The tree's roots are humility, its leaves are mystery, and its fruit is deceit, symbolizing the growth of negative traits from seemingly positive virtues.

The poem's structure, consisting of six quatrains with rhyming couplets and a harsh rhythm, reinforces its critical message.

Example: "And Mutual fear brings peace, / Till the selfish loves increase"

"The Human Abstract" challenges readers to reconsider conventional notions of virtue and morality, suggesting that abstract reasoning can undermine more natural, instinctive values.

Night and Earth's Answer

In "Night" and "Earth's Answer," William Blake explores the themes of nature, security, and the human spirit through vivid imagery and symbolism.

Highlight: The lion in "Night" may serve as a metaphor for ideal human behavior, protecting the innocent lamb (representing the Earth).

"Earth's Answer" takes a darker turn, personifying Earth as trapped by industrialization. The poem contrasts with the innocence portrayed in "Night," presenting night as a metaphor for evil.

Quote: "Earth raised up her head / With grey despair"

Vocabulary: Personification - attributing human characteristics to non-human things or ideas.

The poems use religious imagery to emphasize the importance of protecting nature, drawing Biblical parallels to reinforce this message.

Example: The use of the lamb as a symbol connects to Christian imagery of Christ as the Lamb of God.

London and The Divine Image

"London" and "The Divine Image" present contrasting views of human society and spirituality in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience.

"London" offers a scathing critique of urban life and social constraints. Blake uses vivid imagery to depict the city as a place of suffering and oppression.

Quote: "I wander thro' each charter'd street, / Near where the charter'd Thames does flow"

Highlight: The repetition of "charter'd" emphasizes the pervasive control and restriction in London society.

The poem employs a structured rhyme scheme and quatrains to mirror the constricting nature of society it describes.

"The Divine Image" presents a more optimistic view of humanity, focusing on virtues that represent both divine and human qualities.

Example: The poem personifies virtues such as Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love as both divine attributes and human characteristics.

Both poems explore the theme of the human spirit, with "London" showing its suppression and "The Divine Image" celebrating its potential for virtue.

Themes and Authorial Intent

William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience" explores several key themes throughout the collection:

Nature: Blake presents nature as sacred and closely connected to the divine. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the natural world from industrialization and human corruption.

Quote: "The sun does arise, / And make happy the skies" (from "The Echoing Green")

Strength and Security: The poems highlight the importance of providing safety and security, especially for the innocent. This theme is often linked to the idea of divine protection.

Example: In "Night," the lion acts as a protector of the flock, symbolizing the ideal of strength used to safeguard the vulnerable.

Human Spirit: Blake consistently explores the human spirit's potential and the ways it can be suppressed or liberated. He critiques societal constraints that limit human freedom and imagination.

Highlight: "London" vividly depicts the "mind-forg'd manacles" that restrict human potential in urban society.

Blake's authorial intent appears to be multifaceted:

To challenge readers to question societal norms and institutions, particularly those that limit human freedom and imagination.
To emphasize the importance of maintaining a connection with nature and the divine.
To contrast the innocence of childhood with the corruption of adult society, encouraging readers to reconsider their values and perceptions.

Quote: "If we all strive to look after our environment and mother nature we will be rewarded with eternal happiness"

By juxtaposing innocence and experience, Blake creates a powerful commentary on human nature, society, and spirituality, inviting readers to seek a more imaginative and compassionate way of living.

Page 5: Nature and Education

The analysis focuses on Blake's views on education and nature, particularly through "Nurse's Song" and "The Schoolboy". The text examines how Blake promotes natural education over formal systems.

Quote: Children are described as being educated through nature rather than formal systems.

Highlight: The nurse's "heart at rest" symbolizes the harmony between childhood and natural learning.

The Echoing Green and On Another's Sorrow

"The Echoing Green" and "On Another's Sorrow" continue Blake's exploration of innocence, nature, and the human spirit in Songs of Innocence and Experience.

Highlight: The poem uses symbols to show the aging process, with old folk providing security for children to maintain their innocence.

Quote: "The sun does arise, / And make happy the skies"

"On Another's Sorrow" questions religious teachings and emphasizes Swedenborgian values of safety and security. The poem employs various poetic devices to convey its message.

Vocabulary: Swedenborgian - relating to the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, which influenced Blake's work.

Example: The poem uses emotive interrogatives to challenge conventional religious ideas, such as "Can I see another's woe, / And not be in sorrow too?"

Both poems highlight Blake's belief in the importance of protecting innocence and maintaining a connection with nature.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Discover Blake's Natural Imagery and Security in Night Poem for Kids

The Human Abstract

Night and Earth's Answer

London and The Divine Image

Themes and Authorial Intent

The Echoing Green and On Another's Sorrow

Similar Content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

13 M

#1

950 K+

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Discover Blake's Natural Imagery and Security in Night Poem for Kids

The Human Abstract

Night and Earth's Answer

London and The Divine Image

Themes and Authorial Intent

The Echoing Green and On Another's Sorrow

Similar Content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

13 M

#1

950 K+

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying