WIlliam Blake, a Visionary - 1107 Words

Blake was a man active of mind and body, changing occupations without a minute of repose in between. ‘Apocalyptic’ is a word that can be used in describing William Blake’s works, whether it be a poem, artwork, or story. Although, incredibly relevant in his own time, I believe that his work resonates even more strongly in today’s society. The following stanza comes from one of Blake’s most well renowned poems â€Å"Auguries of Innocence† one of the most prolific verses’ in history; To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a Wildflower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour Blake’s capability to produce confrontational poetry is outstanding, in the above verse alone the paradox’s used are exceptional.†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Nought can deform the human race, like to the armours iron brace†, this verse conveys Blake’s strong opinion and hatred of war. Blake lived through the French revolution and bloodshed was a common element of society, and assumed by society to be a way of life. Blake expresses his outlook on war, as the epitome of human failure, which will, inevitably destroy not only the armies or countries under attack but all of human civilisation. This is epitomised in the use of the word ‘deformed’ as it has strong negative connotations of how war has disabled the human race and will continue to do so until we’re so deformed as a race that we are no longer human. An idea which is still very prominent and strongly resonates today in an age where the ‘War on Terror’ continues to cripple modern civilisation. Throughout this poem, Blake has scattered pockets of philosophical ideas and wisdom. His poetry as a whole reflects on humanity. He describes an array of mannerisms, acts of cruelty, selfishness and descriptive comparisons, all the while keeping the poem flowing and rhyming superbly. The emotion he conveys to the reader is that of frustration and desperation, as he struggles for the reader to understand his ideology and outlook on society. A Robin Red breast in a Cage Puts all Heaven in a Rage. Blake’s use of intense imagery is embodied in his use of figurative language. Blake’s love and connection to nature and animals is reflected in theShow MoreRelatedEssay William Blake: Visionary Artist and Poet770 Words   |  4 Pages William Blake The sight of an angel made William Blake the most celebrated poet of his time, it influenced in his poems and painting, which it became gothic to people and made him a spiritual person. William Blake was born over his father hosiery shop at 28 Broad Street, Golden Square, London in Nov. 28,1757. His father was James Blake a hosier, and his mother Catherine Wright Armitage Blake. 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