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An Exploration of Human-Animal Relations in William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience

Branson Carter

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Published in Am Not I / A Fly Like Thee? : Human Animal Relations In William Blake S Songs Of Innocence And Experience

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William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, published in 1794, is a collection of poems that explores the complexities of human nature and the relationship between innocence and experience. Within this collection, animals play a significant and multifaceted role, symbolizing a wide range of human emotions, experiences, and spiritual qualities.

"Am not I / A fly like thee?": Human-Animal Relations in William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience"

by Terilee Harrison

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19580 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	162 pages

In the Songs of Innocence, animals are often portrayed as innocent, gentle creatures that embody the virtues of love, joy, and freedom. This is evident in poems such as "The Lamb," where the lamb is depicted as a symbol of Christ's innocence and meekness, and "The Tyger," where the tiger is a fearsome yet awe-inspiring creature that represents the power and untamed spirit of nature.

William Blake's 'The Lamb' Depicts A Gentle, Innocent Lamb Symbolizing Christ's Virtues. Am Not I / A Fly Like Thee? : Human Animal Relations In William Blake S Songs Of Innocence And Experience

In the Songs of Experience, however, animals take on a more sinister and ambiguous character. They often represent the darker, more destructive aspects of human nature, such as greed, cruelty, and violence. In the poem "The Chimney Sweeper," for example, the birds that sing in the morning are a cruel reminder of the hardships endured by the young chimney sweep, while in "The Little Black Boy," the tiger represents the racism and oppression faced by people of African descent.

William Blake's 'The Chimney Sweeper' Depicts The Cruel Exploitation Of Young Boys, With The Birds Singing In The Morning As A Mocking Contrast. Am Not I / A Fly Like Thee? : Human Animal Relations In William Blake S Songs Of Innocence And Experience

Blake's use of animal symbolism is not limited to specific species. He also employs the concept of "animalization," where human characters are transformed into animals or animal-like creatures to reflect their inner states or to emphasize their connection to the natural world. In the poem "London," for example, the speaker observes that the people in the city have become like "haunted tigers" and "wolves of the wilderness," reflecting the dehumanizing effects of urban life.

Through this exploration of human-animal relations, Blake challenges the traditional dichotomy between humans and animals. He suggests that animals are not simply inferior beings but instead share a deep and profound connection with humans. By blurring the boundaries between the two, Blake invites readers to reconsider their own relationships with nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.

, animals play a crucial and multifaceted role in William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. They represent a wide range of human emotions, experiences, and spiritual qualities, and their interactions with human characters provide a rich and complex commentary on the nature of human existence. Through his use of animal symbolism and animalization, Blake challenges traditional boundaries and encourages readers to explore the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.

"Am not I / A fly like thee?": Human-Animal Relations in William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience"

by Terilee Harrison

4.3 out of 5