What is the Introductory Point of View on William Blake?

William Blake, the renowned poet, visionary, and artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, remains a figure of immense fascination and profound influence. The reason why Blake did not speak directly to his own age but to one more than a century after his death is multifaceted and rooted deeply in his unique characteristics as a seer. In this article, we explore the various aspects of William Blake's genius and the impact of his visionary perspective on both his contemporaries and future generations.

Seer: A Rare Gift of Imagination

The term 'seer' holds significant weight when describing Blake. First, he possessed eidetic sight, a rare cognitive ability allowing him to visualize mental images as if they were real objects. This extraordinary talent may sound intriguing, but it was not without its drawbacks, especially for a poet living in an era dominated by rationalism and empiricism. Blake, born in 1757, was a man profoundly attuned to the realms of imagination, which often set him apart from his contemporaries who found his perceptions mysterious and, at times, bewildering.

A Prophet of the Future

In addition to his aesthetic gifts, Blake was also a seer in a more prophetic sense. His ability to presee the future, to envision events that had not yet come to pass, was a powerful feature of his character. Blake's Songs of Experience provide a poignant reflection on the harsh realities faced by the poor and the working class in the aftermath of the English Industrial Revolution. As a prelude to his long poem Milton, Blake wrote the iconic lines:

And did the Countenance Divine shine forth upon our clouded hills
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic Mills.

Yet, these lines describe a future that Blake had never seen in person. He had not visited the industrially blighted regions of the north and the Midlands, nor had he witnessed the grueling labor of women and children working from dawn to dusk. He had never seen the black smoke filling the skies of Manchester and Birmingham. Nevertheless, Blake’s visions painted a picture of the future that resonated deeply with the chaotic transformations of his time.

A Contrast of Innocence and Experience

Blake’s ability to capture the essence of different states of mind is profoundly evident in his work. In Songs of Innocence, he wrote:

When the voices of children are heard on the green
And laughing is heard on the hill
My heart is at rest within my breast
And everything else is still.

In contrast, he explored the darker undercurrents of society in Songs of Experience. By juxtaposing these two states of existence, Blake encouraged readers to contemplate the full spectrum of human experience. It is through such visionary works that Blake left an indelible mark on the literary and artistic landscape, offering a profound commentary on the social and personal struggles endured during his time.

Accessible Vision, Complicated Understanding

The complexity of Blake’s vision, however, often made it difficult for his contemporaries to fully appreciate his poetry. His difficulty in being read and comprehended stems from the sophisticated nature of his metaphors and symbols. The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, Milton, and Jerusalem require extensive critical analysis to fully grasp their intricate meanings. Despite these challenges, Blake’s vision remains a source of inspiration and contemplation for readers and scholars alike.

Conclusion

William Blake’s legacy as a seer and visionary artist is undeniable. His ability to envision the future, coupled with his rare gift of eidetic sight, has left an enduring impact on literature and art. The contrast between Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience serves as a reminder of the ever-changing human condition and the persistent quest for spiritual and social harmony. As we navigate the complexities of today’s world, Blake’s visionary voice continues to resonate, offering insights that are both timeless and relevant.