The Romantic Era was an intellectual movement that arose in response to the global modernization initiated by such events as the French Revolution, Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution. Historians and scholars typically agree that the movement, originating in Europe, peaked between the years of 1798 and 1832. The era is generally characterized as contradictory to the rational, scientific thinking expressed by the Enlightenment. Artistic works, in various forms, were centralized around particular themes and ideologies unique to the period. For instance, literature of the era applied emphasis to human emotion, a rejection of technological innovation, a fascination with nature, innocence, individualism, and the supernatural, among other
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Blake focuses on the beauty of the English countryside during a time when Christ would’ve stepped upon it, before industrialization exploded out of proportion. He states, “Walk upon England’s mountains green…On England’s pleasant pastures seen…” (Blake 2,4). The diction utilized to describe the incredible aspects of nature creates a pleasant mood and intensifies the images painted within the minds of readers. Blake’s attitude and continued references to nature imply his admiration for its elegance. Moreover, the tone establishes a sense of respect Blake possesses toward nature and the power it harnesses. In the poem’s final line, Blake describes creating Jerusalem, “In England’s green and pleasant land” (Blake 16). Blake is referring to his mental mission of rebuilding the once mighty natural world of England, from the frayed lands that harbor the industrialized world. A commonality of Romantic poetry, the desire to maintain the gracefulness of nature’s power is represented here by Blake’s will to place a shrine to heaven on top of it. Blake’s phenomenal use of imagery is utilized to virtually beg readers to halt progress and simply sit back and enjoy the beauty the world has to offer. The application of the romantic characteristic of a love of nature is a central theme …show more content…
Blake, among others, feels industrialization has caused the world to lose perspective and that going back to a more simpler time is essential for the goodness of society. The speaker expresses this desire for change when he proclaims, “Bring me my Bow of burning gold: Bring me my arrows of desire: Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold! Bring me my Chariot of fire” (Blake 9-12). Tonal clues suggest the speaker’s anticipation towards an eventual showdown over the future of the industrialized world. With multiple biblical allusions, the speaker uses adjectives synonymous with brightness to describe metaphorical weapons, indicting the righteous path that must be followed to restore individual independence. Blake further details this quest, stating, “I will not cease form Mental Fight, or shall my sword sleep in my hand…” (Blake 13-14). Although not calling for direct violence, Blake references a sword to demonstrate the difficult challenges that await in confronting progress. Similar to French Revolution, the speaker justifies nonviolent revolution as the most logical method to overcome the flaws of the modern
Blake focuses on the beauty of the English countryside during a time when Christ would’ve stepped upon it, before industrialization exploded out of proportion. He states, “Walk upon England’s mountains green…On England’s pleasant pastures seen…” (Blake 2,4). The diction utilized to describe the incredible aspects of nature creates a pleasant mood and intensifies the images painted within the minds of readers. Blake’s attitude and continued references to nature imply his admiration for its elegance. Moreover, the tone establishes a sense of respect Blake possesses toward nature and the power it harnesses. In the poem’s final line, Blake describes creating Jerusalem, “In England’s green and pleasant land” (Blake 16). Blake is referring to his mental mission of rebuilding the once mighty natural world of England, from the frayed lands that harbor the industrialized world. A commonality of Romantic poetry, the desire to maintain the gracefulness of nature’s power is represented here by Blake’s will to place a shrine to heaven on top of it. Blake’s phenomenal use of imagery is utilized to virtually beg readers to halt progress and simply sit back and enjoy the beauty the world has to offer. The application of the romantic characteristic of a love of nature is a central theme …show more content…
Blake, among others, feels industrialization has caused the world to lose perspective and that going back to a more simpler time is essential for the goodness of society. The speaker expresses this desire for change when he proclaims, “Bring me my Bow of burning gold: Bring me my arrows of desire: Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold! Bring me my Chariot of fire” (Blake 9-12). Tonal clues suggest the speaker’s anticipation towards an eventual showdown over the future of the industrialized world. With multiple biblical allusions, the speaker uses adjectives synonymous with brightness to describe metaphorical weapons, indicting the righteous path that must be followed to restore individual independence. Blake further details this quest, stating, “I will not cease form Mental Fight, or shall my sword sleep in my hand…” (Blake 13-14). Although not calling for direct violence, Blake references a sword to demonstrate the difficult challenges that await in confronting progress. Similar to French Revolution, the speaker justifies nonviolent revolution as the most logical method to overcome the flaws of the modern