The Romantic Period: Author Spotlight

The Body of Abel found by Adam and Eve, by William Blake.

WILLIAM BLAKE 1757-1827

Blake has fascinated me in the past in his various religious pieces of art. In them i have been impressed with his passion for the stories of the Old Testament. He was relatively unheard of throughout his life, but today is recognized as a prominent figure of the Romantic Period: his poetry and art is religious, insightful and reflective. Blake considered his worth as a human being, and the experience and contributions we make to society. The fact that he centered worth on God, and something greater than himself, strikes me as a very humble, mature conclusion.

The Human Abstract

Pity would be no more
If we did not make somebody poor,
And Mercy no more could be
If all were as happy as we.

And mutual fear brings Peace,
Till the selfish loves increase;
Then Cruelty knits a snare,
And spreads his baits with care.

He sits down with holy fears,
And waters the ground with tears;
Then Humility takes its root
Underneath his foot.

Soon spreads the dismal shade
Of Mystery over his head,
And the caterpillar and fly
Feed on the Mystery.

And it bears the fruit of Deceit,
Ruddy and sweet to eat,
And the raven his nest has made
In its thickest shade.

The gods of the earth and sea
Sought through nature to find this tree,
But their search was all in vain:
There grows one in the human Brain.

I think that there is something great to be said of artists who atrtribute greatness and beauty to something larger than themselves. Today it is not a common thing to find with success a sense of gratitude to God. Mankind has grown more and more self involved. It is not a frequent thing for one to consider trials, for example, as an opportunity to serve one another and be compassionate. I wonder how different the world would be, stripped of pride, and actually interested in the wellbeing of its follow man.