William Blakes use of imagery and symbolism.

This essay will examine Blake’s use of imagery and symbolism by detailed reference to specific poems in his ‘Songs of Innocence’ and ‘Songs of Experience. Through his poems: ‘Introduction, Nurses song, the tyger and finally London’ I will show how Blake tried to show the reader an ‘alternative’ account of the world and the creation of God.(4)

Blake’s poems, ‘Songs of Innocence’ were written in 1789. Subsequently, in 1794 during the period that is now known as the Industrial Revolution. There was a large population growth, but medical treatment and hospitals were only available for the more affluent of the country. Children were also sent out to work to earn their keep and the guillotine was introduced. Blake blamed the politicians and government regulations. ‘Apparently feeling disillusioned by the impossibility of human perfection,’(5) Blake wrote ‘Songs of Experience.’ These latter poems seem to be a product of the times and the reader sees a totally ...