The Human Abstract: Key Quotes

The Human Abstract: Key Quotes

Overview and Context

• “The Human Abstract” was intended by Blake to challenge traditional views of virtue and vice, exploring how they are constructed by society.

• “Pity would be no more/If we did not make somebody Poor”: Here, Blake challenges the conventional view of pity as a virtue, instead suggesting it perpetuates inequality.

• “And Mercy no more could be/If all were as happy as we”: This quote further cements that virtues exist due to misery and inequality.

Figurative Language

• “And it bears the fruit of Deceit”: Deceit is presented as a result of human abstract virtues - a strong image of corruption.

• “The Gods of the earth and sea/Sought thro’ Nature to find this Tree”: The tree of mystery is sought by both earthly and celestial beings, suggesting its profound impact.

Conscious Iterations

• “raged within/And became a distempered nighingale”: Reiteration is seen throughout the poem, most notably in the theme of the perturbed ‘nighingale’, symbolising innocence corrupted.

Comparison to Other Poems

• Quotes such as “Creates a Heaven in a Hell’s despair” link the poem to others in the ‘Songs of Experience’ collection. Blake consistently explores the theme of man-made constructs of morality across his work.

Poetic Devices

• “Mystery, Folly, Deceit and Theives”: Through personification and capitalisation, these abstract notions become tangible - a characteristic technique by Blake to present complex ideas.

Themes Unpacked

• ” The Catterpiller and Fly,/Feed on the Mystery”: Represents the destructive nature of societal virtues.

For deeper understanding, students should consider how each quote ties into societal conditions during the time of writing, as well as the relationship to Blake’s personal philosophy.