WIlliam Blake, a Visionary

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 “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. “Hold infinity in the palm of your hand”, in a literal sense this is completely incomprehensible, and almost ungraspable in human understanding, as the proposed statement is highly illogical and requires higher order thinking and a sense of spiritual understanding. Throughout Blake’s poetry he presents his many philosophies through wildly imaginative and sometimes unfathomable verses and rhymes. The poetry of Blake is so brilliantly pieced together through succession of couplets, you cannot stop yourself from reading, even if you don’t quite grasp what he’s trying to convey. That’s the beauty of Blake’s poetry; it presents us with so many interesting ideas and concepts which one has perhaps never considered before.

Blake’s poetry is very much a representation of how he saw society; his strong opinions of the actions, behaviours and way of life of those around him. ‘Auguries of Innocence” deftly reflects his disgust, confusion and frustration with the restrictive and selfish society that he liv...

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... beings, it is probably more relevant now than it ever was, as we live in a day and age full of anger, paranoia and frustrations, these strains are ever more so amplified by the constant presence of the media within our lives, which constantly has all our emotions and fears on overdrive, as conveyed in Blake’s poem.

William Blake was one of, if not the most revolutionary poet of his time. The language Blake uses is explicit and deftly executed and still somehow, delicately pieced together. His work was political, religious and philosophical. He expressed his frustration with society through his poetry, he conveyed his deep words of wisdom through stanza’s and verses, and even wove in his beliefs of religion and the Heavens.

The adroit nature of this ingenious and admirable man is astounding, and should be appreciated and shared by people from all walks of life.