The Divine Image: Structure & Language Techniques

The Divine Image: Structure & Language Techniques

Structure

• The poem is composed in quatrain stanzas further broken into two couplets each, where the second line rhymes with the fourth.
• The use of anaphora, repetition of the words “And all” throughout the poem, creates a rhythm and brings unity to the ideas presented.

Language Techniques

Imagery

• The use of religious imagery is prevalent, symbolising virtues such as Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love.
• Blake uses the image of a heart symbolising the human emotions tied to virtues.

Diction

• Blake’s choice of simple language signifies the innocence and purity of the thoughts presented.
• Use of abstract nouns such as “Mercy”, “Pity”, “Peace”, “Love”, makes the poem more relatable.

Metaphor

• The Divine Image is a metaphor representing our innate ability to resonate with divine virtues.

Repetition

• Blake employs repetition of the virtues Mercy, Pity, Peace, Love throughout the poem emphasizing their importance.
• The repeated invocation of “Prayers” and “Thanksgiving” in the penultimate stanza establishes a bond between humanity and divinity.