Focusing on the’ Songs of Innocence and Experience’, this book uses close analysis and interpretation of individual poems to build the reader's confidence when approaching Blake's lyrics and meeting his thought. Chapters on innocence and experience, the natural world, society and personal relationships move from the lyrics and take the reader on towards the later and longer poems, Blake's 'Prophetic Books'. In Part 2, information about Blake's life and work and a comparison of three important critical views, as well as useful suggestions for further reading, provide a bridge towards further study.
Table of contents:
General Editor's Preface
A Note on Editions
PART 1: ANALYSING WILLIAM BLAKE'S POETRY
Introduction
Innocence and Experience
The Natural World in’ Innocence and Experience’
Society and its Ills
Sexuality, the Selfhood and Self-Annihilation
PART 2: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS
Blake's Life and Works
A Sample of Critical Views
Further Reading
Index
Table of contents:
General Editor's Preface
A Note on Editions
PART 1: ANALYSING WILLIAM BLAKE'S POETRY
Introduction
Innocence and Experience
The Natural World in’ Innocence and Experience’
Society and its Ills
Sexuality, the Selfhood and Self-Annihilation
PART 2: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS
Blake's Life and Works
A Sample of Critical Views
Further Reading
Index