Blake 'Introduction': Key Quotes

Blake ‘Introduction’: Key Quotes

Key Quotes from Blake’s ‘Introduction’

Innocence and Joy

• “Piping down the valleys wild”: This line introduces the theme of innocence and nature depicted joyously, setting the tone for the Innocence poems.
• “On a cloud I saw a child”: This line continues the joyful and innocent imagery, symbolising divine inspiration.

Inspiration and Creativity

• “Piper, pipe that song again”: This direct quote from the child implies the desire for repetition and hence, appreciation of art and creativity.
• “Piped a song about a Lamb”: A biblical allusion to Jesus Christ (‘the Lamb of God’). The song might also be seen to introduce the ‘innocence’ section of Blake’s collection, symbolising innocence and purity.

Divine Interaction

• “And I wrote my happy songs”: This line reveals the speaker’s obedience to the divine order, implying spiritual or mystical experiences.
• “Every child may joy to hear”: This line resonates with the theme of universalism, as the speaker implies that their message is for all mankind.