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'And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time' by William Blake


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And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

Editor 1 Interpretation

And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

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William Blake's poem "And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is one of the most famous poems in English literature. It is also known as "Jerusalem" because it is often sung to the tune of "Jerusalem," a popular hymn. This poem is a part of Blake's larger work, Milton, which is a series of poems about the life of the poet John Milton. In this criticism, I will explore the main themes of the poem, the literary devices used by Blake, and the historical context in which the poem was written.

The Themes of the Poem

One of the main themes of "And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is the search for a better world. Blake was a visionary poet who believed that the world could be transformed. He saw the world around him as full of suffering, injustice, and oppression. In this poem, he imagines a better world, a world in which there is no poverty, no slavery, and no war.

Another important theme of the poem is the power of the imagination. Blake believed that the imagination was a key to understanding the world. He saw the imagination as a way of transcending the limitations of the material world and of accessing a higher reality. In "And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time," he celebrates the power of the imagination to create a better world.

Finally, the poem is a celebration of England's heritage. Blake saw England as a country with a glorious past and a promising future. He believed that England had a special role to play in the world and that its people had a unique destiny. In the poem, he asks whether Jesus Christ ever walked on England's green and pleasant land. He imagines that Jesus did, and that England is therefore a sacred place.

The Literary Devices Used by Blake

Blake was a master of literary devices, and "And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is no exception. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "And did those feet," which appears in the first line of each stanza, is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition gives the poem a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of the question that Blake is asking.

Another important literary device used by Blake is allusion. The poem is full of allusions to the Bible, to English history, and to mythology. For example, the phrase "dark Satanic mills" in the third stanza is a reference to the factories that were polluting England's cities during the Industrial Revolution. The phrase "chariot of fire" in the final stanza is a reference to the chariot that carried the prophet Elijah to heaven in the Bible.

Finally, the poem makes use of imagery. Blake uses vivid images to convey the beauty of England's landscape and the hope for a better world. For example, the phrase "England's green and pleasant land" in the final stanza is a powerful image of a peaceful and prosperous country.

The Historical Context of the Poem

"And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" was written in 1804, during a time of great change in England. The Industrial Revolution was transforming the country, and many people were concerned about the social and environmental effects of industrialization. The poem reflects these concerns, with its references to the "dark Satanic mills" and the call for a better world.

At the same time, England was at war with France, and many people were concerned about the threat of invasion. The poem reflects this concern as well, with its call to "bring me my bow of burning gold" and its image of a "chariot of fire" defending England's shores.

Finally, the poem reflects Blake's own views on religion and politics. Blake was a radical thinker who believed in the power of the individual to change the world. He rejected the established churches of his time and believed in a more personal relationship with God. He also believed in the importance of political and social reform, and he saw England as a country with a special role to play in this reform.

Conclusion

"And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human desire for a better world. Blake's use of repetition, allusion, and imagery creates a sense of urgency and hope. The poem reflects the historical context of its time, with its concerns about industrialization, war, and social and political reform. Overall, the poem is a testament to the power of the imagination and the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time: A Timeless Classic

William Blake's "Poetry And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is a poem that has stood the test of time. It is a timeless classic that has been recited and sung by millions of people around the world. The poem is a call to arms, a rallying cry for the human spirit to rise up and fight against the forces of oppression and tyranny.

The poem is also known as "Jerusalem," and it has become an unofficial anthem for England. The poem was first published in 1808 as part of a larger work called "Milton: A Poem in Two Books." The poem was inspired by the legend that Jesus Christ visited England during his lifetime and that he may have even walked on the hills of England.

The poem begins with the famous lines, "And did those feet in ancient time / Walk upon England's mountains green?" These lines are a reference to the legend of Jesus Christ visiting England. The poem then goes on to describe the beauty of England's countryside and the need for the human spirit to rise up and fight against the forces of oppression.

The poem is filled with powerful imagery and metaphors. For example, the line "Bring me my bow of burning gold" is a metaphor for the power of the human spirit. The bow represents the strength and determination of the human spirit, while the burning gold represents the passion and fire that drives us forward.

The poem also contains a powerful message about the importance of freedom and the need to fight for it. The line "I will not cease from mental fight / Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand" is a call to arms for all those who believe in the power of freedom and the need to fight for it.

The poem has been set to music many times over the years, and it has become a popular hymn in churches around the world. The most famous musical setting of the poem was composed by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916. Parry's setting of the poem has become so popular that it is often referred to as "the other national anthem" of England.

The poem has also been used in many different contexts over the years. It has been recited at political rallies, used in films and television shows, and even used as the theme song for the 2012 London Olympics. The poem's message of hope and determination has resonated with people from all walks of life, and it continues to inspire and motivate people today.

In conclusion, William Blake's "Poetry And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time" is a timeless classic that has inspired and motivated people for over 200 years. The poem's message of hope and determination is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. The poem is a call to arms for all those who believe in the power of freedom and the need to fight for it. It is a reminder that the human spirit is capable of great things, and that we must never give up in our quest for a better world.

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