As of now, Earth is bound in the ugly lessons of experience! She is a soul clattered in darkness. At present, the canopy of darkness covers the dewed Earth! However, the hint of the light of innocence can be felt, as the day symbolizes vigor, creativity, and freshness. The poem ‘Introduction’ to Songs of Experience is the first that hammers the smooth sentiments of the “Songs of innocence” and enters into a harder world. Similar to Christ’s call for the lapsed soul, the Bard calls the doomed Earth. However, the Bard asserts the glory and regaining of the lost splendor upon the harboring of the rays of the Sun. Darkness and night have enveloped the Earth. The Bard or the prophet is compassionate and tries to awaken Earth. When Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden of Eden, Christ wept for them. The Bard, much like the God, can foresee the future. Introduction to Songs of Experience: Character Sketch The poet then assures that “the night” will finally cease to exist as the radiance of the Sun would spread everywhere. Blake doesnt reconcile the two different viewpoints. William Blake Study Guide Full Text Full Text Songs of Innocence, Introduction Songs of Innocence, Introduction Songs of Innocence, Introduction Piping down the valleys wild, Piping songs of pleasant glee, On a cloud I saw a child, And he laughing said to me: Pipe a song about a Lamb So I piped with merry cheer.

But, the Earth is immersed in the dewy grass and is reluctant to the poets call. Songs of Experience is more cynical and reflects on the poverty and suffering in the world. While, in the ‘Introduction’ to Songs of Experience, the Bard, who is a seer, calls Earth to rise from the deep slumber. In ‘Introduction’ to Songs of Innocence, the poet derived inspiration from the angelic child. Turn away no more: The Earth is insensitive to the call of the Bard the starry floor: The place where the light of the stars falls The watery shore: refers to the ocean Introduction to Songs of Experience: The Bard calls the inhabitants on Earth to rise above the material concerns Night is worn: Night, as referred by the Bard, is ephemeral and momentary slumberous mass: the heaviness of sleep or materialistic. Earth: refers to the people on Earth dewy grass: the dew is considered as an element of material gratification in Blake’s poetry.

Songs of experience introduction