Blake's Jerusalem and Political Correctness

Blake's Jerusalem and Political Correctness

Blake's, Jerusalem is commonly associated with the National Anthem,

Rule Britannia, and I vow to thee my country. However this association

is misplaced. Although Jerusalem is often played at national sporting

events for example major cricket tournaments and rugby matches as a

symbol of national pride, the lyrics do not in fact totally focus on

pride in England or the greatness of our country.

At a glance Jerusalem gives off the impression that it is in fact

aggressively nationalistic, for example,

'Walk upon England's mountains green'

This line appears to be promoting England's land and therefore would

be considered politically incorrect.

Another strong example of how this poem appears to be politically

incorrect until studied at depth is in the third and final stanza,

'I will not cease from mental fight

Nor shall my (my) sword sleep in hand'

This appears to be an aggressive and fierce gesture.

Later in the poem further examples of this are displayed such as,

'Bring me my bow (my bow) of burning gold

Bring me my arrows of desire

Bring me my spears o'clouds unfold…'

This may be considered an act of attack and an overly aggressive

message, especially if taken literally. It also has potentially racist

connotations.

However when you study Jerusalem you discover it is far more

politically correct then it's reputation leads you to believe. I will

demonstrate this by looking closely at the meaning of the poem. For

example, in the first stanza of Jerusalem;

'Walk upon England's mountains green?'

The truth about England is expressed, one which is not exag...

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...on has

not been achieved as expressed in the lines,

'I will not cease from mental fight

Nor shall my (my) sword sleep in hand

'Til we have built Jerusalem'

Other similarities are apparent in the form of the verse, with the

powerful use of repetition. In Jerusalem,

'Bring me my bow (my bow) of burning gold

Bring me my arrows of desire

Bring me my spears o'clouds unfold

Bring me my chariot of fire'

And in London,

'In every cry of every Man,

In every Infant's cry of fear,

In every voice, in every ban,

The mind-forg'd manacles I hear.'

To conclude neither of these poems are nationalistic, the language and

imagery used in London is one of sadness and despair. As discussed on

closer examination Jerusalem is clearly expressing the sentiment that

England is by no means a perfect place.