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Comment 1 of 1, added on July 17th, 2006 at 10:49 AM.
This is one of Blake's unfinished poems from the Notebook collection (The Rossetti Manuscript). Seems that in Blake's mind, art was not flourishing from true inspiration. Perhaps commerce was setting in, almost like mass-produced art. The artists were getting lazy, and relying on foreign influences (France) for what was popular and fashionable. Walt Whitman warned Americans of the same thing--stop using England as the standard of Art: develop your own style--reflect American taste,feelings, etc.
Since this poem was a private poem (not meant for publication), Blake felt free enough to just write what he thought. He seemed to believe that he was ordanined at conception to restore the role of art, and then was ordered to descend to Earth, where in England he was to fulfil his destiny. Blake probably took solace in this thought as he struggled to make a living with his works of art. Further, the lines reveal that even if the country refused to embrace the Arts, Blake would be spared any harm ("France shall the arts of Peace restore and save thee from the Ungrateful shore").
What this poem demonstrates to me is that the Arts should always be primary in any society. The Arts have a way of uniting people and for allowing creative expressions. If the Arts are suppressed, other countries with their Arts will "invade". The poem also brings reflection with the line, "Art has lost its mental Charms". Art does more that please the eye; it creates a mental realm where the visuals can be processed and in some way produce a healthier society ("and France shall fall down...shall sink beneath thy feet"). Art has a quality that can transcend aspects of war. In some measure, even today, there is truth to this sentiment. National treasures are being honored and protected as much as possible. In acts of war, many times, sacred and national treasures are exempt from attack. The U.S. military made a decision not to bomb Kyioto during WWII in order to protect the many sacred sites there. Even the Geneva Conventions have rules in place for not dishonoring sacred places (graveyards, churches, etc.).
Mental charms...Arts...Blake did hear the angel correctly. His works are appreciated more today than during his lifetime.
dallas holsten from United States
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Copyright © 2003-2008 Gunnar Bengtsson, Poetry Connection. All Rights Reserved.
This is one of Blake's unfinished poems from the Notebook collection (The Rossetti Manuscript). Seems that in Blake's mind, art was not flourishing from true inspiration. Perhaps commerce was setting in, almost like mass-produced art. The artists were getting lazy, and relying on foreign influences (France) for what was popular and fashionable. Walt Whitman warned Americans of the same thing--stop using England as the standard of Art: develop your own style--reflect American taste,feelings, etc.
Since this poem was a private poem (not meant for publication), Blake felt free enough to just write what he thought. He seemed to believe that he was ordanined at conception to restore the role of art, and then was ordered to descend to Earth, where in England he was to fulfil his destiny. Blake probably took solace in this thought as he struggled to make a living with his works of art. Further, the lines reveal that even if the country refused to embrace the Arts, Blake would be spared any harm ("France shall the arts of Peace restore and save thee from the Ungrateful shore").
What this poem demonstrates to me is that the Arts should always be primary in any society. The Arts have a way of uniting people and for allowing creative expressions. If the Arts are suppressed, other countries with their Arts will "invade". The poem also brings reflection with the line, "Art has lost its mental Charms". Art does more that please the eye; it creates a mental realm where the visuals can be processed and in some way produce a healthier society ("and France shall fall down...shall sink beneath thy feet"). Art has a quality that can transcend aspects of war. In some measure, even today, there is truth to this sentiment. National treasures are being honored and protected as much as possible. In acts of war, many times, sacred and national treasures are exempt from attack. The U.S. military made a decision not to bomb Kyioto during WWII in order to protect the many sacred sites there. Even the Geneva Conventions have rules in place for not dishonoring sacred places (graveyards, churches, etc.).
Mental charms...Arts...Blake did hear the angel correctly. His works are appreciated more today than during his lifetime.
dallas holsten from United States