America A Prophecy E-Book

William Blake

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In "America: A Prophecy," William Blake intricately weaves a complex narrative that critiques the sociopolitical landscape of late 18th-century America and Europe. The poem employs a unique blend of prophetic verse and vivid imagery characterized by Blake's innovative use of symbols and motifs. As a continuation of his earlier works, it encapsulates themes of revolution, freedom, and the dichotomy between innocence and experience, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. Notably, Blake's intricate illustrations enhance the text's layered meanings, making it a profound exploration of both American identity and spiritual awakening. William Blake (1757-1827), a poet, painter, and printmaker, lived during a time of immense social change. His career was deeply influenced by his strong dissent against the industrial revolution and the moral and political injustices of his era. Blake's radical views on politics, religion, and art led him to embrace a visionary approach that sought to reconcile the spiritual and material worlds. "America: A Prophecy" is rooted in his deep belief in the transformative power of imagination and his critiques of oppression and tyranny. For readers seeking to delve into the intersection of art, politics, and philosophy, "America: A Prophecy" stands as a compelling examination of revolutionary ideals shaped by Blake's profound vision. This text is essential for understanding the early dialogues surrounding personal freedoms and societal structures, offering insights that remain relevant in contemporary discussions of liberty and identity.

Leseprobe

William Blake

America A Prophecy

With the Original Illustrations by William Blake

 

EAN 8596547001843

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Preludium

A Prophecy

Preludium

Table of Contents

The shadowy daughter of Urthona stood before red Orc.

When fourteen suns had faintly journey’d o’er his dark abode; 

His food she brought in iron baskets, his drink in cups of iron; 

Crown’d with a helmet & dark hair the nameless female stood; 

A quiver with its burning stores, a bow like that of night, 

When pestilence is shot from heaven; no other arms she need: 

Invulnerable tho’ naked, save where clouds roll round her loins, 

Their awful folds in the dark air; silent she stood as night; 

For never from her iron tongue could voice or sound arise; 

But dumb till that dread day when Orc assay’d his fierce embrace.

Dark virgin; said the hairy youth, thy father stern abhorr’d; 

Rivets my tenfold chains while still on high my spirit soars; 

Sometimes an eagle screaming in the sky, sometimes a lion, 

Stalking upon the mountains, & sometimes a whale I lash 

The raging fathomless abyss, anon a serpent folding

Around the pillars of Urthona, and round thy dark limbs, 

On the Canadian wilds I fold, feeble my spirit folds.

For chaind beneath I rend these caverns; when thou bringest food 

I howl my joy! and my red eyes seek to behold thy face 

In vain! these clouds roll to & fro, & hide thee from my sight.

Silent as despairing love, and strong as jealousy,

The hairy shoulders rend the links, free are the wrists of fire; 

Round the terrific loins he siez’d the panting struggling womb; 

It joy’d: she put aside her clouds & smiled her firstborn smile; 

As when a black cloud shews its light’nings to the silent deep.

Soon as she saw the terrible boy then burst the virgin cry.

I know thee, I have found thee, & I will not let thee go; 

Thou art the image of God who dwells in darkness of Africa; 

And thou art fall’n to give me life in regions of dark death.

On my American plains I feel the struggling afflictions 

Endur’d by roots that writhe their arms into the nether deep: