RD1: Biography and Cultural Influences William Blake once said, “Those who control their passions do so because their passions are weak enough to be ignored.” This quote reflects William Blake’s spirit as a fervent poet whose artistic abilities are unmistakable in his various works of literature. Blake is a nineteenth century poet from the Romantic Era who is known to be an influential poet and philosopher. For instance, Blake’s unique, visionary mind is evident in “The Tyger,” a popular poem that I shall be examining and deciphering. Firstly, the creation of William Blake’s humble life began November 28, 1757, in London, England. He was born to James and Catharine Blake. Since the beginning of his childhood, his parents promptly recognized
…show more content…
In 1780, Blake began exhibiting his own works, and he also “branched out” by publishing his Poetical Sketches, a collection of poems that Blake had written over the last fourteen years. Two years later, Blake married an illiterate woman named Catharine Boucher. Blake taught Catharine how to read and write and later on Catharine helped Blake print the poetry he is remembered for today. In 1784, Blake, along with his friend, James Parker, set up a print shop; however, this endeavor failed after several years. For the rest of Blake’s late years, he made a measly living as an engraver and illustrator for books and magazines. Furthermore, Blake had begun training his younger and favorite brother, Robert. Unfortunately Robert had become ill and passed away during the winter of 1787. As Robert died, Blake claimed to see his brother’s spirit rise up through the ceiling, “clapping its hands for joy.” Blake also believed that Robert’s spirit continued to visit him and later claimed that in a dream Robert taught him the printing method that he used in Songs of Innocence and other illuminated works (Academy of American Poets, Web). Many historical events occurred during William Blake’s life. He lived in a time of “great social and political change that profoundly influenced his writing” (Eaves, Web). For instance, the French Revolution and the
In 1780, Blake began exhibiting his own works, and he also “branched out” by publishing his Poetical Sketches, a collection of poems that Blake had written over the last fourteen years. Two years later, Blake married an illiterate woman named Catharine Boucher. Blake taught Catharine how to read and write and later on Catharine helped Blake print the poetry he is remembered for today. In 1784, Blake, along with his friend, James Parker, set up a print shop; however, this endeavor failed after several years. For the rest of Blake’s late years, he made a measly living as an engraver and illustrator for books and magazines. Furthermore, Blake had begun training his younger and favorite brother, Robert. Unfortunately Robert had become ill and passed away during the winter of 1787. As Robert died, Blake claimed to see his brother’s spirit rise up through the ceiling, “clapping its hands for joy.” Blake also believed that Robert’s spirit continued to visit him and later claimed that in a dream Robert taught him the printing method that he used in Songs of Innocence and other illuminated works (Academy of American Poets, Web). Many historical events occurred during William Blake’s life. He lived in a time of “great social and political change that profoundly influenced his writing” (Eaves, Web). For instance, the French Revolution and the