The Ecchoing Green: Key Quotes

“The sun does arise,”: This initial quote sets the lively and positive tone of the poem, indicating the beginning of a new day filled with opportunity.
“Old John with white hair,”: Introduces the character ‘Old John’, symbolizing wisdom and maturity.
“And sport no more seen / On the darkening green,”: Represents the progression of time and the inevitability of the end of the day, and metaphorically, the end of life.

The Ecchoing Green: Poet and Context

William Blake was an active and vocal critic of the Church and State of England during his time.
He published ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience’ as a reflection and criticism of the societal norms of his era, particularly those related to child labor and the rigid class system.
‘The Ecchoing Green’ is part of the ‘Songs of Innocence’ collection and is typically interpreted as a representation of childhood innocence and the nostalgia for lost youthful days.