How Does Blake Represent Two Contrary States of the Human Soul?
Songs of Innocence and of Experience is a notable literary work by William Blake. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
Answer
How does Blake represent two contrary states of the human soul?
The most interesting aspect of William Blake’s (1757-1827) poetry is that he explores life’s psychological truth. He observes that there are two contrary statuses in the human soul. In his poems titled “Songs of Innocence and of Experience” (1789), he beautifully captures the two contrary states of the human soul through various elements:
Innocence vs. Experience: Blake often contrasts the purity of innocence with the complexities of experience. In his collection of poems titled “Songs of Innocence and of Experience,” he describes innocence as blissful ignorance. The Poet is untouched by the harsh realities of the world. So, here, Children, nature, and simplicity suggest this innocence. Blake says:
Little Lamb who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
On the other hand, experience conveys the loss of innocence, the awareness of societal norms, and the hardships of life. Blake highlights these contrasting states to highlight the inevitable journey from a state of purity to one of worldly wisdom.
The Lamb and The Tyger: In two of his poems, “The Lamb” and “The Tyger,” Blake explores the opposing facets of existence. “The Lamb” embodies innocence, portraying a gentle, meek creature symbolizing purity and divinity. On the other hand, “The Tyger” illustrates experience, depicting a powerful and fierce predator. It symbolizes the harshness and complexity of life. Through these contrasting symbols, Blake delves into the duality of existence. Here, innocence coexists with the harsh realities of experience. The poet says:
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
Social Constructs vs. Natural Freedom: Blake criticizes societal norms and constructs that restrict the freedom of individuals. He describes innocence as a state of natural freedom. Here, individuals are unbound by societal expectations. In contrast, experience represents the imposition of rules, norms, and institutions that confine and shape individuals. This contradiction reveals the tension between the inherent freedom of the human soul and the constraints imposed by society. In the poem London, the poet says:
In every voice, in every ban,
The mind-forg’d manacles I hear.
Childhood and Adulthood: Blake uses the contrast between childhood innocence and adult experience to illustrate the transformation of the human soul. Childhood represents a time of purity, imagination, and freedom from societal restrictions. As individuals grow into adulthood, they encounter the harshness of reality. It leads to a loss of innocence and a deeper understanding of the complexities of life. Poet says:
Is this a holy thing to see,
In a rich and fruitful land,
Babes reduc’d to misery,
Fed with cold and usurious hand?
Heaven and Hell: Blake’s depiction of heaven and hell symbolizes the contrasting states of the human soul. Heaven conveys innocence, harmony, and spiritual purity, while hell symbolizes experience, chaos, and moral corruption. Blake investigates the eternal struggle between good and evil within the human soul through these contrasting realms.
In termination, these contrary states of the human soul are depicted as an inherent and perpetual conflict. They also reveal the intricate balance between innocence and experience, freedom and societal constraints, purity, and the complexities of life. This exploration performs as a poignant reflection on the human condition. It invites contemplation on the dualities that shape our existence.