The Human Abstract: Themes & Linking Poems

Themes in “The Human Abstract”

Invisibility of Evil: The poem explores the abstract nature of human evil, represented metaphorically as a tree bearing poisonous fruits. The ‘Tree of Mystery’ is not a physical tree, but symbolic of the evil qualities in human beings.
Human Condition: The poem suggests that evil, cruelty, and deception are not to be blamed solely on external factors but are inherent aspects of human nature. The ‘Human Abstract’ thus becomes a critique on the human condition manifesting itself in societal harm.
Manipulation of innocence: Blake critiques the forces that manipulate innocence, transforming it into a corrupt form. The tree of mystery grows from the ‘Human Brain’, indicating the manipulation of innocent minds.
Religious hypocrisy: The poem presents a critique of the hypocrisy in religious beliefs that encourage fear, guilt, and submission in the face of worldly suffering.

“The Divine Image”: Contrast can be found between the virtue list in “The Human Abstract” (Mercy, Pity, Peace, Love) and the virtue list in “The Divine Image”. This highlights a duplicitous understanding of virtues.
“The Garden of Love”: This poem pairs with “The Human Abstract” to demonstrate how religious ritual and dogma can corrupt natural human emotions.
“The Tyger” and “The Lamb”: “The Human Abstract” complements these poems in the exploration of the binary opposites innocence and experience, and the transition from one to the other.
“London”: The social critique found in “The Human Abstract” complements the critique found in “London”, highlighting how societal and political systems can oppress and corrupt.