William Blake is now recognised as one of the most extraordinary figures in English poetry and art.
But during his lifetime, he was often regarded as unusual, eccentric or simply difficult to understand.
Born in London in 1757, Blake became a poet, painter and engraver. He even developed his own method of printing illustrated books, allowing him to combine poems and artwork on the same pages.
His best-known poems include The Tyger, The Lamb and London.
He also wrote the words that eventually became the famous hymn Jerusalem, although the familiar music was composed by Hubert Parry almost 90 years after Blake died.
What makes Blake particularly fascinating is his belief in spiritual visions, his criticism of religious and social authority, and his extraordinary imagination.
He claimed to experience visions of angels and other spiritual figures, yet he was also deeply concerned with ordinary human suffering, including child labour, poverty and injustice.
A Few Questions Worth Discussing
- Do you prefer Blake's poetry or his paintings and illustrations?
- What do you think The Tyger is really asking about creation and the nature of the world?
- Do Blake's visionary experiences make his work more interesting, or do they make it harder to understand?
- Have you ever read both The Lamb and The Tyger together? Does the comparison change their meanings?
- Do you associate Jerusalem primarily with religion, English culture or a wider message about creating a better society?
- Should Blake's unusual religious and political ideas influence how we judge his poetry?
- Which poem or artwork would you recommend to someone discovering Blake for the first time?
Who Was William Blake? - Songs And Poems
I'm particularly interested in hearing how people in different countries encounter Blake's work, whether through poetry lessons, illustrated books, music or personal reading.
All respectful interpretations and contributions are welcome.