How does Blake comment on the society and the institutions of his time through Songs of Experience and Songs of Innocence?

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How does Blake comment on the society and the institutions of his time through “Songs of Experience” and “Songs of Innocence”?

Growing up, William Blake was not taught how to read or write so it is surprising that he managed to write poetry, let alone poetry that would have an impact on British society, even to this very day.

His views on society’s practices of which he represents in the poem, “London”, take a very negative tone:

“In every cry of every man,

In every infant’s cry of fear.”

This quote highlights the negative impact that society's practices have on society as a whole. These unknown but inherently immoral practices can be traced back to and, according to Blake, blamed on two well known institutions; The Church and the Monarchy, as expressed in the third paragraph:

“How the chimney-sweeper’s cry,

Every blackening church appals,

And the hapless soldier's sigh,

Runs in blood down the palace walls.”

Blake is seen here to strongly express himself by directly accusing the Monarchy and the Church; two of the most powerful authorities of his time, for the repulsive practices being carried through under their noses, such as child labour and child prostitution, “the youthful Harlot's curse” . Blake brings to light both the monarchy’s and the church’s poor image of supposed caring authority figures for people to turn to at times of need.

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The Church also has a poor moral image in “The Garden of Love”. The Church seems to withdraw its policy of freedom and salvation when Blake depicts the appearance of  the chapel:

“And the gates of this chapel were shut

And “though shall not” writ over the door.”

This gives the impression that Blake saw the church to be restricting and oppressive. By having the gates shut, the chapel automatically appears uninviting.

The Ten Commandments Blake describes as being written on the gates, contains more negative suggestion than positive, which increases the depression of expression that the church already ...

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