William Blake’s Poetry

William Blake's Poetry

Support for studying English GCSE and A Level

William Blake - Biography

William Blake was born (London, England) on 28 November 1757 and died on 12 August 1827 (London, England). Blake was a poet, painter, engraver and printmaker. He did not have much recognition during his lifetime, or his work was dismissed. Now he is regarded as one of England’s most important poets.

Blake lived during a time when there was significant political and social change, which influenced his work. He was born to James and Catherine Harmitage Blake. He was one of seven children, but two died during infancy. Blake’s parents encouraged his artistic talent and at the age of fourteen he was an apprentice engraver.

After the publication of Life of William Blake, Blake's reputation increased dramatically. By the 20th century, Blake's work became widely appreciated and his influence swelled.

Blake had a significant influence on the 1950’s beat poets and the counterculture of the 1960s. He has been referenced by Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Van Morrison and Aldous Huxley.

William Blake - References

Wikipedia (William Blake): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake
British Library (William Blake): https://www.bl.uk/people/william-blake
Poetry Foundation (William Blake): https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-blake
Poets.org (William Blake): https://poets.org/poet/william-blake
BBC History (William Blake): http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/blake_william.shtml
Biography.com (William Blake): https://www.biography.com/writer/william-blake
Encyclopaedia Britannica (William Blake): https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Blake

William Blake - ‘The Chimney Sweeper’ - Annotation

Annotation prompts for William Blake’s ‘The Chimney Sweeper’ (Songs of Innocence).

‘The Chimney Sweeper’ is set against a backdrop of child labour (prominent in England in the late 18th and 19th century). It was published in 'Songs of Innocence' in 1789. A chimney sweep works to clear ash and soot from chimneys. A ‘climbing boy’ would be an apprentice to a ‘master sweep’ (adult).

The annotation prompts are a supportive tool, intended to encourage further analysis and interpretation.

William Blake - ‘London’ - Annotation

Annotation prompts for William Blake’s ‘London’ (Songs of Experience).

‘London’ is a poem that depicts England’s capital city during the Industrial Revolution (1760-1820/40). Poem was published in Songs of Experience (1794). It is one of the few poems which does not have a corresponding poem in Songs of Innocence (1789). Blake (28.11.1757- 12.08.1827) lived in London his entire life (except for 3 years spent in Felpham). Work didn’t have much recognition during his lifetime. He was concerned about senseless wars and damaging effects of the Industrial Revolution. This poem reflects this attitude.

Is Blake warning people? Is it a dystopian vision of the future? What is Blake’s message here? Inequality? Corruption of youth? Disparity between rich / poor? Blake’s poetry consistently embodies an attitude of rebellion against the abuse of class power. Blake’s view of London (powerful city) seems to contrast with how London would have liked to be perceived during the Industrial Revolution.

The annotation prompts are a supportive tool, intended to encourage further analysis and interpretation.

Exemplar English Literature Essays

Poetry Essay helps you write essays about English Literature more confidently - providing you with a variety of helpful hints. With Poetry Essay, you should find all the help you need - from analysing a text in detail to writing coherently about it. Please visit the links below for exemplar student-style essays.