William Blake's Jerusalem: A Vision of the New Jerusalem in the Poetry and Art of William Blake

William Blake's Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion (1804-1820) is one of the most complex and challenging works in English literature. It is a prophetic book that explores the themes of freedom, revolution, and the New Jerusalem. Blake's Jerusalem is a masterpiece of imagination and vision, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers and artists today.

Jerusalem is a long and complex poem, consisting of four books and nearly 1000 lines of verse. The poem is written in a highly symbolic and allusive style, and it draws on a wide range of sources, including the Bible, mythology, and Blake's own personal experiences.

The poem begins with a vision of the New Jerusalem, a city of freedom and peace that is to be built on the ruins of the old world. Blake's Jerusalem is a symbol of the human spirit's potential for redemption and renewal. However, the poem also explores the forces that oppose the creation of the New Jerusalem, such as tyranny, oppression, and war.

JERUSALEM

by William Blake

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12231 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	351 pages
Paperback	:	20 pages
Item Weight	:	1.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.3 x 0.1 x 8 inches

FREE

Blake's Jerusalem is a powerful and passionate work that speaks to the human condition. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption are always possible.

In addition to its poetry, Jerusalem also contains a number of illustrations by Blake. These illustrations are an essential part of the work, and they help to bring Blake's vision of the New Jerusalem to life.

Blake's illustrations for Jerusalem are full of energy and movement. They depict a world that is both beautiful and chaotic. The illustrations are full of symbols and allegory, and they invite the viewer to explore the deeper meanings of the poem.

Blake's Jerusalem is a masterpiece of both poetry and art. It is a work that continues to challenge and inspire readers and artists today.

Blake's Jerusalem is a highly symbolic work, and it is full of images and symbols that have multiple meanings. Some of the most important symbols in the poem include:

• The New Jerusalem: The New Jerusalem is a symbol of the human spirit's potential for redemption and renewal. It is a place of freedom, peace, and happiness.
• Albion: Albion is a symbol of England. He is a giant who represents the potential for greatness that lies within the English people. However, Albion is also a flawed figure, and he is often corrupted by tyranny and oppression.
• Los: Los is a symbol of the creative spirit. He is a blacksmith who forges the weapons that will be used to fight against tyranny and oppression.
• Urizen: Urizen is a symbol of reason and law. He is a cold and calculating figure who represents the forces that oppose the New Jerusalem.

These are just a few of the many symbols that appear in Jerusalem. The poem is a complex and multi-layered work, and it is open to multiple interpretations.

Jerusalem has had a profound impact on art, poetry, and culture. The poem has inspired artists such as William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, and Allen Ginsberg. It has also been the subject of numerous critical and scholarly studies.

Jerusalem is a challenging and rewarding work that continues to inspire and challenge readers and artists today. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption are always possible.

William Blake's Jerusalem is a masterpiece of imagination and vision. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition and explores the themes of freedom, revolution, and the New Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a work that continues to challenge and inspire readers and artists today.

• The William Blake Archive: Jerusalem
• Tate: Jerusalem by William Blake
• The Poetry Foundation: Jerusalem by William Blake

• Figure 1: William Blake, Jerusalem, Plate 14, 1804-1820. The William Blake Archive.
• Figure 2: William Blake, Jerusalem, Plate 22, 1804-1820. The William Blake Archive.
• Figure 3: William Blake, Jerusalem, Plate 30, 1804-1820. The William Blake Archive.
• Figure 4: William Blake, Jerusalem, Plate 47, 1804-1820. The William Blake Archive.
• Figure 5: William Blake, Jerusalem, Plate 99, 1804-1820. The William Blake Archive.

JERUSALEM

by William Blake

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12231 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	351 pages
Paperback	:	20 pages
Item Weight	:	1.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.3 x 0.1 x 8 inches

FREE