William Blake songs of innocenc eand experience
Year 11 Literature William Blake’s songs of Innocence and Experience “Blake seems to have a deep and abiding Christian faith, yet he can also be harshly critical of the Church. ... ” 500-600 Words – Due Thursday 19th February Blake frequently criticises the attitude of the Church, yet maintains a profound devotion to the Christian faith. There is evidence to support this view in several poems, including The Garden of Love, London, Little boy Lost (Experience) and The Little Vagabond. Blake appears to feel strongly about the lack of compassion the Church feels feel for the desperate situation in England’s lower class. ... Despite his critical judgement of the Church, Blake maintains a very strong faith in Christian ideals, and the adoring nature of his poems reflects this attitude. ... Blake views the Church of this period as a place of misery and captivity, rather than the cheerful sanctuary it should portray. ... During Blake’s time, the Church chose to ignore the need for their support amongst the starving community.