William Blake: Exposing the Harsh Realties of Life

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Sir William Blake was known for his lucid writings and childlike imagination when it came down to his writings. Some will say that his writings were like day and night; for example, "The Lamb" and "The Tiger" or "The Little Boy Lost" and "The Little Boy Found." Born in the 18th century, Blake witnessed the cruel acts of the French and American Revolutions so his writings also, "revealed and exposed the harsh realities of life (Biography William Blake)". Although he never gained fame during his lifetime, Blake's work is thought of as to be genius and well respected today. "The lack of public recognition sent him into a severe depression which lasted from 1810-1817, and even his close friends thought him insane (William Blake,)". Blake once stated, "Always be ready to speak your mind, and a base man will avoid you (http://brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_blake.html )."

Blake was educated at home by his mother, whom he was very fond of. his poem "Cradle Song" was about his memories of his upbringing.

Sweet dreams, form a shade

O"er my lovely infant"s head;

Sweet dreams of pleasant streams

By happy, silent, moony beams.

Sweet sleep, with soft down

Weave thy brows an infant crown.

Sweep sleep, Angel mild,

Hover o"er my happy child.

This poem was in his collection entitled, Songs of Innocence. ""today his most popular volume, he revealed glimpses of life as it appears to innocent childhood, full of charm and joy, and trust"(William Blake Dark 77 or 79 blu)." This is what Blake adapted as his style; his poems were simple, direct, and clear enough for a child to understand. One of Blake's other more popular poems is, "The Lamb." This poem like many others is written in his idiosyncratic view of Christianity, th...

... middle of paper ...

...poetic thought that they express (Frye, 23)."

Works Cited

Bernbaum, Earnest Anthology of Romanticism and Guide Through the Romantic Movement Vol 1. New York: Thomas Nelson and Sons, 1938.

Biography William Blake. . 9 Nov 2008.

Bloom, Harold, ed. English Romantic Poets. . New York New Haven Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986.

http://brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_blake.html >. 9 Nov 2008.

Frye, Northrop. "Blake After Two Centuries". "English Romantic Poets: Modern Essays in Criticism. Ed. M.H. Abrams. New York London Oxford : Oxford University Press, 1960. P 67.

. 9 Nov 2008

William Blake..

. 9 Nov 2008.

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