William Blake (1757-1827)

William Blake was the son of a London Tradesman. His first publication of poetry occurred in 1783, he could be classified as an early Romantic poet. The originality of his work refrain from comparing with any "particular school of poetry."

Blake did not follow any particular "School of Poetry". His inner motive for creative inspiration" pedestalled him to equal status with the famous poets of his time.

His "Deep mystic sense" enabled him to think of "God and angels" that made his "inward life" quite adventurous, though his "outward life" was dull and monotonous.

However his achievements were quite impressive. The 19th century poets Rossetti and Swinburne appreciated and admired his poetry highly.

Swinburne even thought that Blake was the only poet "of supreme and simple poetic genius." There are distinguishing characteristics in Blake's Poetry, Dealing with psychological problems and symbols employed to present such situations.

Some of the themes he dealt with were the "Proper Balance between intellect and impulse" "Between those in Authority and those controlled" "Between the aspiration of men and those of women." He understood human needs and detested the negligence of "moral generalizations" as trying to impose the "same law for the ox and the lion".

Seeing "jealousy as a poison, he understood the importance of forgiveness in human relations".

Blake's quality as "A powerful moving poet" is evident and visible in his short poems such as "Love's Secret" and "LONDON", being based on poet's view of "factory system", he was against it, for it caused men and women get subjected to a system that to them off from their home based workshop model.

Boys getting themselves exploited mercilessly earning small wages and young girls forcefully subjected to "selling their bodies."

But most thro midnight streets hear how the youthful harlots curse"......
(Poem - London)

The word but highlights the poet's view; what he sees in the street; their reckless state of mind.William Blake's Poem 'LOVE'S SECRET' is a fine example of a "POETIC EXPLORATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS THROUGH SYMBOLS" using simple rhythm pattern and varying them in a skilful manner to bring out the meaning.

Blake's poetry consists of distinguished characteristics. Psychological Problems are significantly dealt with and the symbols carry weight in an effective manner. Using the iambic tetrameter, a simple pattern as in LOVE'S SECRET "I told/my love/I told/my love" .

To suite the tone of warning or command, Blake "Varies the rhythm pattern symbolizing a warning or a command,

"Never/seek to/tell the/Love"

Following the Shakespearean rhythm pattern ""Fear no more the/heat o'the/sun" Repetition of words in Blake's style as in songs or ballads; William Blake has made his words echo in the readers' mind. His theory "fierceness and gentleness are contrasting qualities in every human mind (songs of Innocence/Experience" "The TIGER contrasting fierceness and gentleness".

Mrs. C. Ekanayake,
Retd. Specialist Teacher
Eng,
St. Anne's College,
Kurunegala.