William Blake Flashcards
(17 cards)
When was Holy Thursday songs of innocence made?
1789
What was the two part called by Blake?
The two contrary states of the human soul
What was the infernal method?
Blake painted his poems and pictures on copper plates with resilient ink then burned away the excess copper in a bath of acid
What did Blake believe his role was?
Reveal the infinite that was hid
What was England like when Blake was writting?
Industrial Revolution meant overcrowded cities with children working as chimney sweepers and low regulation in factories
What is Holy Thursday?
The day of Easter week when Christian’s commemorate the last supper
What would orphaned children do during Holy Thursday?
Parade around St Paul’s Cathedral
When was the tyger published?
1794
What is the tyger mirror poem?
The lamb both exploring the nature of God
How are innocence and experience explored in the bible?
Garden of Eden and the Fall
What was a key influence on Blake’s poetry?
Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained by John Milton which. Examined humankind’s relationship with God
Was Blake religious?
Yes but he criticised the Church of England questioning the religious status quo that restrictivd individual liberties and restricted access to god
What was Blake influenced by historically
American and French Revolutions
What is the sick rose an exploration of?
Innocence happiness joy love encountering the real world
What is the invisible worm?
Four Zoas - ‘man is a worm’
Worm as an echo to the serpent in the bible who temps eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree
Why was Blake critical of the church?
Denied sexual desire which damages the individual and society more generally
Why was Blake critical of the monarchy in London?
Saw soicetal changes as threats to humankind with industrial society as a form of physical and mental enslavement
