An Analysis of William Blake´s "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"

Thesis (M.A.) , 2006 , 118 Pages , Grade: 1,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

The present thesis deals with The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, one of William Blake’s prophetic books. These are a series of texts, which were written in imitation of biblical books of prophecy, but expressing the poet’s own personal romantic and revolutionary beliefs.
It is not exactly known when the work was written. One assumes it was composed in London between 1790 and 1793 , a period of political conflict arising immediately after the French Revolution. S. Foster Damon argues that the American and French Revolution had an immense influence on Blake writing the Marriage:
The American and French Revolutions promised a better world; and stirred Blake to a new enthusiasm, from which he deduced the theory that apparent Evil, such as War, is only Energy working against established order. This was a new perception of Truth; all his problems seemed solved by it; and he hailed the light triumphantly in another book, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1793)

Apart from the opening Argument and the Song of Liberty, the entire book is written in prose.
The book is about the first person narrator’s visit to Hell, a concept taken by Blake from Dante’s Inferno and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Like many other of Blake’s works, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell was influenced by the mysticism of Swedish theosophist Emanuel Swedenborg. Moreover, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell is also in part a satire on Emanuel Swedenborg’s writings, especially on Heaven and Hell from which Blake adapted the title, and on the New Jerusalem Church which was set up by Swedenborg’s British followers.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• 1. The Argument
  • 1.1 Outline
  • 1.2 The Just Man and the Perilous Path
  • 1.3 The Function of Rintrah
  • 1.4 As a New Heaven is Begun
  • 1.5 Contraries and their Necessity for Progression
• 2. The Voice of the Devil
  • 2.1 Outline
  • 2.2 The Relationship of Body and Soul
  • 2.3 Milton and Job
• 3. Memorable Fancies
  • 3.1 A Memorable Fancy
    • 3.1.1 Outline
    • 3.1.2 The Five Senses: An Obstacle or a Tool?
  • 3.2 A Memorable Fancy
    • 3.2.1 Outline
    • 3.2.2 Blake's Theory of the Deity
    • 3.2.3 The Fulfilment of a Prophecy
  • 3.3 A Memorable Fancy
    • 3.3.1 Outline
    • 3.3.2 The Creative Process and Symbolism
    • 3.3.3 Producers and Devourers
  • 3.4 A Memorable Fancy
    • 3.4.1 Outline
    • 3.4.2 An Argument on Religion with an Angel
    • 3.4.3 Swedenborg's Theology and Contrary Ideas
  • 3.5 A Memorable Fancy
    • 3.5.1 Outline
    • 3.5.2 Antinomianism
    • 3.5.3 One Law for the Lion and the Ox is Oppression
• 4. Proverbs of Hell
  • 4.1 Outline
  • 4.2 The Book of Proverbs and the Proverbs of Hell
  • 4.3 The Proverbs of Hell and Swedenborg
  • 4.4 Poetry and Priestly Corruption
• 5. A Song of Liberty
  • 5.1 Outline
  • 5.2 Necessary Revolution for Regeneration

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis examines William Blake's *The Marriage of Heaven and Hell*, a work written in the form of a biblical prophecy, but imbued with Blake's own personal romantic and revolutionary beliefs. The main objective is to analyze the text and explore its themes, arguing that Hell is not a place of punishment, but a source of creative energy and spiritual progression.

• The relationship between heaven and hell, and how Blake challenges traditional conceptions of both
• The role of contraries and their necessity for progress
• The importance of individual experience and the rejection of authority
• The creative process and the role of imagination
• The influence of Swedenborg and other mystics on Blake's work

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the work, its historical context, and Blake's influences. It highlights Blake's unconventional view of Hell as a source of creative energy and personal spiritual growth.
• The Argument: This chapter analyzes the opening section of *The Marriage of Heaven and Hell*, exploring the concept of the "just man" and his perilous journey. It examines the role of Rintrah, a symbol of energy and rebellion, and discusses how contraries are necessary for progress.
• The Voice of the Devil: This chapter delves into the dialogue between the narrator and the Devil, exploring Blake's ideas on the relationship between body and soul. It also examines the influence of Milton and Job on Blake's work.
• Memorable Fancies: This chapter examines a series of "Memorable Fancies" presented in the text, each exploring different aspects of Blake's philosophy. These include discussions on the five senses, Blake's theory of the deity, the creative process, and Swedenborg's theology.
• Proverbs of Hell: This chapter analyzes Blake's "Proverbs of Hell," a collection of aphorisms that challenge conventional morality and embrace a more unconventional view of good and evil. It explores their relationship to the Book of Proverbs and Swedenborg's work.
• A Song of Liberty: This chapter examines the final section of the text, a song that calls for revolution and regeneration. It explores the importance of individual liberty and the need to break free from oppressive systems.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key themes and concepts explored in *The Marriage of Heaven and Hell* include: hell, heaven, contraries, imagination, creativity, spiritual progression, revolution, liberty, Swedenborg, Milton, Job, and the five senses. These terms represent the core ideas and influences that shape Blake's work and offer insight into his unique perspective on the world.

• College: University of Hannover (Englisches Seminar)
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Stefanos Vassiliadis (Author)
• Publication Year: 2006
• Pages: 118
• Catalog Number: V142476
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640529858
• ISBN (Book): 9783640529810
• Language: English
• Tags: Analysis, William, Blake´s, Marriage, Heaven, Hell