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.
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
- 3.1 A Memorable Fancy
- 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
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis analyzes William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, exploring its context within the revolutionary period and Blake's engagement with Swedenborgian thought. The work aims to unpack the complex interplay of contraries, the nature of Hell as a source of creative energy, and Blake's unique approach to prophecy.
- The influence of the American and French Revolutions on Blake's work.
- Blake's reinterpretation of Heaven and Hell, contrasting his views with those of Milton and Dante.
- The role of Emanuel Swedenborg's mysticism and its impact on Blake's writing.
- The concept of contraries and their importance in spiritual progression.
- The function of "Memorable Fancies" as a literary and philosophical device.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for the analysis of Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, situating it within the context of Blake's other prophetic books and the socio-political climate of the late 18th century. It highlights the influence of the American and French Revolutions and Blake's engagement with the mysticism of Emanuel Swedenborg, emphasizing Blake's unique approach to prophecy and his contrasting views of Heaven and Hell. The introduction also establishes Blake's departure from traditional interpretations of Hell as a place of punishment, instead portraying it as a source of creative energy and spiritual growth.
1. The Argument: This chapter delves into the introductory "Argument" section of Blake's work, exploring its structure and outlining the key ideas presented. It examines the concept of the "just man" and the challenges he faces, the role of Rintrah as a symbol of energy and opposition, and the necessity of contraries for spiritual progression. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the central themes that permeate the rest of the text, establishing Blake's vision of a dynamic and ever-evolving spiritual landscape.
2. The Voice of the Devil: This chapter examines Blake's depiction of the devil's voice, focusing on the relationship between body and soul and the interactions with figures from Milton and Job. It analyzes how Blake challenges traditional notions of good and evil, exploring the devil not as purely antagonistic but as a necessary force for growth and understanding. The chapter examines the subversive and challenging nature of Blake's perspectives within the context of established religious and philosophical norms.
3. Memorable Fancies: This section is a detailed analysis of multiple "Memorable Fancies" within the text. Each "Memorable Fancy" is discussed holistically, rather than individually. The analysis explores Blake's theory of the deity, the creative process and symbolism, the roles of producers and devourers within the context of his spiritual cosmology, his engagement with Swedenborgian thought, and the concept of antinomianism. This chapter unveils the complexity of Blake's philosophical and theological positions, demonstrating how his "Memorable Fancies" function as powerful vehicles for expressing his complex ideas.
4. Proverbs of Hell: This chapter analyzes Blake's "Proverbs of Hell," examining their relationship to the Book of Proverbs and Swedenborg's influence. The focus is on understanding the proverbs as a means of challenging conventional wisdom, exposing the corruption of established institutions and the importance of embracing energy and contraries. The chapter interprets the proverbs' rebellious spirit and their function within the overall argument of the work.
5. A Song of Liberty: This chapter focuses on Blake's "Song of Liberty," examining its theme of necessary revolution for spiritual regeneration. It interprets the song within the context of the broader themes of energy, contraries, and the need for breaking down established systems to achieve spiritual growth. The chapter analyzes the call for social and spiritual upheaval and its significance within Blake's larger vision.
Keywords
William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, Prophecy, Contraries, Heaven, Hell, Emanuel Swedenborg, Revolution, Creative Energy, Memorable Fancies, Antinomianism.
Frequently Asked Questions: William Blake's *The Marriage of Heaven and Hell*
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive language preview of an academic analysis of William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The preview is intended for academic use, facilitating the structured and professional analysis of thematic elements within the text.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured chapter-by-chapter, following the structure of Blake's work. Each chapter summary details the key arguments and interpretations presented within that section of The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. The analysis particularly focuses on the "Argument," "The Voice of the Devil," "Memorable Fancies," "Proverbs of Hell," and "A Song of Liberty" sections.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes present in Blake's work, including: the influence of the American and French Revolutions, Blake's reinterpretation of Heaven and Hell in contrast to Milton and Dante, the role of Emanuel Swedenborg's mysticism, the concept of contraries and their importance in spiritual progression, and the function of "Memorable Fancies" as a literary and philosophical device.
What is the focus of the "Memorable Fancies" section of the analysis?
The analysis of the "Memorable Fancies" provides a detailed examination of each fancy. It explores Blake's theory of the deity, the creative process and symbolism he uses, the roles of producers and devourers within his spiritual cosmology, his engagement with Swedenborgian thought, and the concept of antinomianism.
How does the analysis approach the "Proverbs of Hell"?
The analysis examines Blake's "Proverbs of Hell" in relation to the Book of Proverbs and Swedenborg's influence. It interprets them as a challenge to conventional wisdom, exposing the corruption of established institutions and emphasizing the importance of embracing energy and contraries.
What is the significance of "A Song of Liberty" in the analysis?
The analysis of "A Song of Liberty" focuses on the theme of necessary revolution for spiritual regeneration. It interprets the song in the context of energy, contraries, and the need to break down established systems for spiritual growth. The analysis explores the call for social and spiritual upheaval within Blake's larger vision.
What is the overall objective of the analysis?
The analysis aims to unpack the complex interplay of contraries within The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, exploring the nature of Hell as a source of creative energy, and analyzing Blake's unique approach to prophecy within its revolutionary context and engagement with Swedenborgian thought.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Key terms used throughout the analysis include: William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, Prophecy, Contraries, Heaven, Hell, Emanuel Swedenborg, Revolution, Creative Energy, Memorable Fancies, and Antinomianism.
- Quote paper
- Stefanos Vassiliadis (Author), 2006, An Analysis of William Blake´s "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/142476
