William Blake tends to describe nature as innocuous as possible until human involvement destroyed it. William Wordsworth has a tendency to overlook the pessimistic side of human involvement in destruction of nature and concentrates on the beauty of it. Blake demonstrates a dismal point of view in his poem, “London,” whereas Wordsworth’s tone is vivid and optimistic and he paints a sanguine picture of the city in his work, “Composed upon Westminster Bridge”. Blake communicates his idea by describing London as depressing, immoral place. He describes that the public as downtrodden and delayed with misery, anguish, and overwhelming poverty. In addition, he prefers to depict London at night so that he can emphasize the theme of London’s murkiness, which represents a gloomy, dreary city that is full of desolation. Contrary to Blake, Wordsworth describes London in the morning and expresses his appreciation for its architecture. The poem is written in the mood of contentment and bliss. He writes that London is unique even when the passion of emotion aimed towards a beloved, which contrasts with Blake’s bleak portrayal of very same metropolis.
Blake uses dark and frantic images signifying paucity, violence, illness and decease because he wishes to convince the reader of melancholy and morbid. His style is rather hyperbolic and this tends to reinforce the concept of social coercion in the poem. He generalizes and exaggerates by saying that in ever person to be observed there as sadness and weakness. From the Songs of Innocence, “The Chimney Sweeper” described how children were exploited for extremely cheap, child labor. He contrasts the child’s purity to the evils of humanity. He justifies how we take advantage of our innocent and utilize it to our advantage. . The images and metaphors used help to establish that this poem is about a young child who is an orphan and is being forced to deal with the pressures of child labor. The poem’s terminology sounds like it is a child having a conversation with Blake, and Blake is writing down his emotions as the conversation continues. In this poem he states “'weep 'weep” which symbolizes that the chimney sweeper’s emotional privation is directly linked with the work they have to do, and demonstrates the continuous circumstances of anguish they live in.
Wordsworth’s poems are in conflict between nature and humanity. Unlike society, Wordsworth doesn’t see nature as a product but sees it for its natural beauty. In the poem “The world is too much with us;” he expresses how he desires for a much simpler time when the progress of humanity was tempered by the restrictions nature imposed. “Little we see in nature that is ours,” describes the association that develops to be at the clemency of mankind because of the frail technique the environment is described. He articulates that the “sordid boon” we have “given our hearts” is the avaricious development of humans. Humanity has become narcissistic and isn’t capable of rationalizing clearly. He sees himself as part of the environment by saying “ I, standing on this pleasant lea, have glimpses that would make me less forlorn.” This also demonstrates that he is not responsible for the destruction of nature. Wordsworth sees himself as having insight into the tribulations, which exist between humanity and nature. The materialistic progress being made by mankind is not devoid of consequence. The demolition of the environment by mankind’s narrow view will prolong as he has forecasted. The modification hoped for by the Wordsworth will not come as a result of a commencement by humanity, but as an upheaval by Mother Nature in the form of a battle. He appreciates and understands nature and wishes for others to perceive what he witnesses in his eyes.
He characterizes nature in an exceptional manner. In “Lines composed a few miles from Tintern abbey” he has the ability to describe nature not just as a woman but also, as altruistic and benevolent women who serves the good of mankind and the world. She is the source of compassion, exquisiteness and nurture. He has the ability to perceive nature not only physically but also spiritually. Wordsworth believes that nature possesses such munificent influence and becomes aware of that inspiring glory and transcendence into the territory of supernatural being and the spiritual world. Nature teaches him not merely regarding himself, but the world around him as well. In “Tintern Abbey” he writes about a “green pastorical landscape” and claims that “nature never did betray /the heart that loved her.” He goes on saying that nature is gentle, nurturing force that teaches and smoothes humanity.
Blake makes his arguments through symbolism and means of abstract concepts. He has a unique way of choosing his words in a way that they are metaphors of a secret message. It is up to the reader to interpret the message and understand what the author is trying to portray. Blake uses religion in comparison to nature as well. In “Songs of Innocence and Experience” he describes the Lamb, which could be interpreted as a symbol of Christianity. The association between a human and a lamb could in addition provide to meek the reader during the awareness that, in God's eyes, he may be no more essential than a lamb.
Unlike Wordsworth, Blake believed that nature and humanity didn’t have a close relationship. “The Garden of Love” shows Blake’s disbelief that human feelings are associated with the changing moods of nature. The surroundings describe nature along side buildings exposes moods of nature crying out in pain where “sweet flowers bore” was “filled with graves and tombstones where flowers should be”. The flowers are in pain, thus the readers experiences the flowers sorrow and grief.
William Wordsworth and William Blake while both being part of the romantic period had different views on the way it related to humanity, spirituality and imagination. Blake was more ingenious in his poems by enclosing a painting to enhance the readers understanding of the message enclosed. Wordsworth alternatively used literary techniques to portray charm, tranquility, and serenity. Poetry and nature had great impact on him and he had a great admiration for it since nature was the solitary thing that brought tranquility to his life. Yet, to Blake nature was an obstruction, not an accomplishment, it was not a part of him as it was a part of Wordsworth.