Blake's "richness of ambiguity" in Songs of Innocence and of Experience

Abstract

This dissertation sets out to explore the complex thoughts behind William Blake's Songs of Innocence and of Experience. It is virtually impossible to give an adequate study of both forms of art Blake has provided us with in this work, without having to write copious amounts. Nevertheless, because I wish to represent a taut, yet simultaneously thorough discussion, I have decided to focus my entire dissertation on the poetic works alone. This by no means implies his etchings were of no import; on the contrary, it is because both his pictorial and written art forms are of multifaceted significance and deserve an individual analysis in their own right. Therefore I felt more at ease investigating one facet in a greater depth, than two superficially. My research attempts to shed light on aspects of Blake's Songs that may sometimes be disregarded or taken for granted by readers. The first chapter seeks to explore and comprehend the naivete found in Songs of Innocence, because many a time they are mistakenly read in a light-hearted manner and not appreciated for their actual profundity. The second chapter investigates both Blake and the speaker's (which to some extent, are one and the same) disillusionment shown in Songs of experience. Finally the third and last chapter ventures to fathom the complex symbolism found in both states, discussing poems that characterize vivid imagery and descriptions, making it impossible not to leave an iota of impact on any reader of Blake. This dissertation is predominantly a study of what Blake encourages his readers to recognize, through his plain and simple use of words we may discover the underlying meanings Blake endeavoured to convey. It is important to note that many a time it is the unsaid that educates Blake's readers. He always emphasised the importance of man's imagination, promoting how we should allow ourselves to make use of it to the maximum, perhaps it is for this reason he chose to be economical with words. Ultimately this dissertation attempts to be a typical example of how one should utilize the potential of their imagination, a practice Blake endorsed with vehemence and arduousness.