Blake ‘Introduction’: Themes & Linking Poems

Major Themes

Innocence vs. Experience: The distinction between these two states forms the core of Blake’s thematic exploration. Innocence embodies a naïve, child-like sense of wonder and joy, contrasted with the loss and disillusionment of experienced adulthood.
Divinity and spirituality: Blake often employs religious and spiritual symbolism, associating innocence with divine guidance and inspiration.

‘The Lamb’ and ‘The Tyger’: These poems parallel each other, exploring the theme of innocence and experience through the symbols of the lamb and the tyger.
‘The Chimney Sweeper’: A poem in both ‘Songs of Innocence’ and ‘Experience’, showcasing the transition from innocent hope to experienced disillusionment.
‘Holy Thursday’: Again presented in both sections, these poems juxtapose the childlike faith of the innocent with the grim reality of the experienced world.

The role of the poet: In ‘Introduction’, the speaker is depicted as a piper-turned-poet, echoing the Romantic ideal of the poet as a spiritual leader or prophet.
The power of imagination: The poems stress imagination’s importance in maintaining innocence and combating the harsh realities of experience.
The nature of creation: Explores how spirituality, poetry, music, and art influence the creation of individual identity.
Industrial capitalism: Represents the evils of industrialisation; viewed as a corrupting influence that contributes to the loss of innocence.