The Enlightenment can be described as a movement away from tradition and becoming more independent in thought and actions. However, readers can immediately interpret William Blake’s thoughts about the Enlightenment through his diction. The fourth line of the piece reads “Every Harlot was a Virgin once”, implying that leaning away tradition does no good for anyone. He also refers to living without tradition as ‘misery’. This writing is clearly demonstrating criticism against the Enlightenment.
3 thoughts on “William Blake (1757-1827)”
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I believe your analysis of this poem is absolutely correct. William Blake is extremely critical of enlightened thinking and your direct quotes prove this point. Blake certainly seems like a traditional person based on your analysis and his poem.
After reading and analyzing this poem, I can agree with you that William Blake’s views and ideas ran contrary to those of the Enlightenment era. As you clearly explained and proven through the quotes that you have selected from his poem, Blake was a very traditional man with traditional beliefs. Further, from Blake’s poem “The Chimney Sweeper,” we can gather that he viewed the church as a corrupt institution, because the church supported and promoted child labour.
I understand your perspective on William Blake’s poems, but I believe that Blake is actually being critical of traditional society. In his pieces, it seems to me that he is opposing the corrupt ideals of the Church and the State. This is specifically seen in the oppressed community he describes in his poem “London” and in the unfair treatment towards children as seen in “The Chimney Sweeper”.