Consider Blake’s use of images and metaphor in his various poems and proverbs.
In “The Gates of Paradise” by William Blake, Blake uses imagery to show the destructiveness of a society solely focused on monarchy and religion. In a description of the young Chimney Sweeper, he writes “They clothed me in the clothes of death… And are gone to praise god and his priest and king.” The parents have left the young boy to do a dangerous and dirty job, only so that they can go pray and appease the king. The imagery of a young boy in the snow covered in soot evokes rage towards the parents and society because it shows that the life and happiness of one’s own child is held secondary to the church and state.
In a description of everyday people, it appears that all of them are unhappy with their lives. Blake writes, Men “cry”, Infants, “cry of fear”, and hapless Soldiers “Sigh.” However, later in the poem, Blake writes, “And are gone to praise god and his priest and king, who make up a heaven of our misery,” showing that the king and priests live a life as though they were in heaven while the common man and child suffer.
The use of imagery and metaphor really does emphasize how corrupt the society was at that time. On the outside, it seemed as if everything was going well in terms of arts, music, and religion, however, Blake exposes the reality of many commoners, especially women and kids who were exploited during this time. In one instance, the imagery lets us sympathize really allows us to connected with and feel the pain of the lonely young boy who is neglected and forced to work and ultimately, sacrificing his own happiness. Meanwhile, his parents continue to pray for the Gods that allow this maltreatment and unfairness of society. Using imagery and metaphor, Blake does indeed criticize the Enlightenment period because of what it has led to.