How can “Visions of the Daughters of Albion”, by William Blake, be seen as a critique of colonial oppression and imperialism in relation to the ethics and standards of religion? That is to say, how does Blake asses the actions of imperialism and its effects on the pursuance of establishing religious morals and virtues? Oothoon’s desire is to be with Theotormon, but Bromion makes this impossible by raping her. Once Oothoon is raped by Bromion, Theotormon no longer reciprocates Oothoon’s love. How can this represent the adherence to religious codes and the repercussions of following, or abandoning, religious standards? Oothoon leaves Leutha in search of love and identity, which can be paralleled to man seeking a relationship with God. Bromion, or the embodiment of imperialism and oppression, effectively ends Oothoon’s pilgrimage. Although Oothoon was forcefully placed in association with the evils that define Bromion, her relationship with Theotormon is still in shambles. How can this illustrate the necessities of being morally virtuous in the context of proclaiming a religion that preaches certain values?
How can this relationship be contextualized within a global or national scope? Oothoon may be seen as the potential for America, and it may also be said that she leaves England. Her endeavors of being united with Theotormon may represent a chance for a new start and an opportunity to create a new identity that follows the standards of morality and love. In this case, Bromion symbolizes the former settlers who promoted slavery and other evils. Since Oothoon is not able to win Theotormon’s love after being raped, is Blake stating that America cannot achieve moral success after a foundational history of evil? Is Blake saying that America, or Oothoon, is possessed and owned by evil, or Bromion? What implications does Bromion’s rape have, other than affecting the relationship between Oothoon and Theotormon? For instance what affect does Bromion’s actions, and identity in general, have specifically on Theotormon alone?
How does “Visions of the Daughters of Albion” propose the falseness and deceitful freedom of America? What claims does it make towards the identity and qualities of America in general? At the very beginning of “Visions”, Blake states, “Enslav’ed, the Daughters of Albion weep; a trembling lamentation upon their mountains; in their valleys, sighs towards America”. Amongst other identities, the Daughters of Albion may be defined as immigrants who desire to travel to America. This passage shows how their current situation causes them torment and how America is viewed as the reliever of that sadness. They cannot emigrate, so the perception of America remains one of hope and positivity. When Oothoon goes to America, or becomes the embodiment of America, then the true nature of America is shown. Bromion This exactly coincides with the common early misperceptions of America; immigrants traveled to America in hopes of equality, fair opportunity, racial tolerance, but they found the exact opposite treatment and values. How may this poem represent a deeper political claim regarding the social structure of America? Slavery and oppression created a huge divide within socioeconomic classes; how does this pertain to Oothoon and Theotormon? If Theotormon is positioned as American success and the acquisition of the American dream, then what implications does this have for Oothoon who symbolizes the raped, or enslaved? Furthermore, in a more general context, does this claim that a national foundation based off slavery and oppression can only produce more slavery and oppression? Can Oothoon’s, or the oppressed’s, relationship with Theotormon, or American success, not be fulfilled because the socio-economic and political structure of America has already been inextricably linked to slavery? How can this be solved- must Bromion be completely eliminated from the equation?
