A Study of Symbolism in the Works of William Blake

Abstract

William Blake (1757–1827) was a visionary poet, artist, and mystic whose works are rich with symbolism. His poetry, deeply influenced by his spiritual and political beliefs, employs intricate symbols to explore themes of innocence, experience, oppression, divinity, and human nature. This research paper examines the extensive use of symbolism in Blake’s poetry, focusing on his major works such as Songs of Innocence and of Experience, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, and The Book of Urizen. It analyzes how Blake’s symbolic imagery—ranging from lambs and tigers to celestial bodies and prophetic visions—functions as a means of expressing complex philosophical, social, and theological ideas. By studying his poetic and artistic symbols in the context of Romanticism and revolutionary thought, this paper seeks to uncover the deeper meanings in Blake’s works and their relevance to contemporary interpretations of literature and human consciousness.