'To Tirzah' by William Blake
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Whate'er is Born of Mortal Birth,
Must be consumed with the Earth
To rise from Generation free:
Then what have I to do with thee?
The Sexes sprung from Shame & Pride
Blowd in the morn; in evening died
But Mercy changed Death into Sleep;
The Sexes rose to work & weep.
Thou Mother of my Mortal part.
With cruelty didst mould my Heart.
And with false self-deceiving tears.
Didst blind my Nostrils Eyes & Ears
Didst close my Tongue in senseless clay
And me to Mortal Life betray:
The Death of Jesus set me free.
Then what have I to do with thee?
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Tirzah by William Blake: A Poem of Innocence and Corruption
William Blake's "To Tirzah" is a short but powerful poem that explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the loss of childhood. Written in the form of a prayer addressed to Tirzah, the speaker's sister, the poem portrays the human experience as a journey from a state of perfect innocence to one of corruption and evil. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the symbolism, themes, and imagery in "To Tirzah," and analyze how Blake's use of language and structure contributes to the poem's overall message.
Context and Background
William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who is now considered one of the most visionary and innovative artists of his time. Blake's works often explored religious, social, and political themes, and he is known for his unconventional use of language and his unique style of illuminated printing. "To Tirzah" was first published in Blake's collection of poems, Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1789), which is now regarded as a masterpiece of English literature.
The poem is written in the form of a prayer addressed to Tirzah, who is believed to be the speaker's sister. The name Tirzah appears in the Bible as the wife of a king of the Israelites, and in Hebrew, it means "pleasure" or "delight." Blake's use of this name suggests that Tirzah represents the innocence and joy of childhood.
Analysis
Symbolism
Blake uses several symbols in "To Tirzah" to convey his message about the human experience. One of the most important symbols is that of the apple, which is often associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the fall of humanity. In the poem, the speaker describes Tirzah as "an apple tree / Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit." This image suggests that Tirzah represents the state of perfect innocence and joy that humans experience in childhood, before they are corrupted by sin and evil.
Another important symbol in the poem is that of the serpent, which is also associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The serpent is often seen as a symbol of temptation, deception, and evil. In "To Tirzah," the speaker refers to "the serpent's curse / Has come upon our house and us." This line suggests that the speaker sees the loss of innocence and the corruption of humanity as a result of the serpent's influence.
Themes
The main theme of "To Tirzah" is the loss of innocence and the corruption of humanity. The poem portrays childhood as a state of perfect innocence and joy, but suggests that as humans grow older, they become corrupted by sin and evil. The speaker laments the loss of this innocence, and expresses a desire to return to a state of purity and joy.
Another important theme in the poem is that of the corrupting influence of society. The speaker suggests that the serpent's curse has not only affected the individual, but has also corrupted society as a whole. The lines "And all the charm is fled / Which murmured in our ears / With soft and soulful melody / And left no trace of tears" suggest that society has lost its capacity for love, compassion, and empathy, and has become cold and indifferent.
Imagery
Blake's use of imagery in "To Tirzah" is both vivid and powerful. The image of the apple tree, for example, conveys a sense of abundance, fertility, and joy, but also suggests the fragility and transience of these qualities. The image of the serpent, on the other hand, is ominous and sinister, suggesting the danger and corruption that lurks beneath the surface of human experience.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "raging flame," which is used to describe the speaker's desire to return to a state of innocence. This image suggests both the intensity of the speaker's emotions and the destructive power of desire.
Structure
The structure of "To Tirzah" is simple but effective. The poem consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas), each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, but also allows for variations in rhythm and tone. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "O Tirzah!" also gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.
Interpretation
"To Tirzah" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and corruption. Blake's use of religious symbolism and imagery gives the poem a timeless quality, while his exploration of the themes of innocence and corruption resonates with readers across cultures and generations.
The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the corrupting influence of society, and on the loss of innocence that comes with growing up. The speaker's desire to return to a state of purity and joy can be seen as a longing for a simpler and more innocent time, free from the complexities and evils of the world.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of organized religion and its role in perpetuating the corrupting influence of society. The image of the serpent, for example, can be seen as a symbol of the church's corrupting influence, while the desire to return to a state of innocence can be seen as a rejection of the oppressive religious structures that have led to the loss of innocence.
Conclusion
"To Tirzah" is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the loss of childhood. Blake's use of symbolism, imagery, and structure is masterful, and his message about the corrupting influence of society is as relevant today as it was in the 18th century.
The poem's message of hope and longing for a return to a state of purity and joy is one that resonates with readers across cultures and generations. As we navigate the complexities and evils of the world, "To Tirzah" reminds us of the importance of holding on to the innocence and joy of childhood, and of striving to create a world that is free from the corrupting influence of society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Tirzah: A Poem of Love and Redemption
William Blake is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, known for his vivid imagination and his ability to weave together complex themes of love, spirituality, and social justice. Among his many works, "To Tirzah" stands out as a powerful ode to the redemptive power of love, and a testament to the transformative potential of human relationships.
At its core, "To Tirzah" is a poem about the power of love to heal and transform. The poem is addressed to Tirzah, who is likely a representation of Blake's wife, Catherine. Throughout the poem, Blake speaks of Tirzah's beauty and her ability to inspire him to new heights of creativity and spiritual insight. He describes her as "the daughter of my flesh and soul," and speaks of her as a source of light and hope in a world that is often dark and despairing.
The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of Tirzah's beauty and the transformative power of love. In the first stanza, Blake speaks of Tirzah's "beauty bright" and her ability to inspire him to "sing the joyous lay." He speaks of her as a "cherub bright" who brings light and hope to his life, and who has the power to lift him out of the darkness of his own despair.
In the second stanza, Blake speaks of Tirzah's ability to heal and transform him. He describes her as a "healing balm" that can soothe his wounds and ease his pain. He speaks of her as a "gentle nurse" who can tend to his wounds and help him to recover from the trials and tribulations of life. He also speaks of her as a "sacred shrine" where he can find solace and peace in the midst of a chaotic and troubled world.
In the third stanza, Blake speaks of the redemptive power of love. He describes Tirzah as a "saviour sweet" who can redeem him from his sins and help him to find his way back to the path of righteousness. He speaks of her as a "holy flame" that can purify his soul and help him to overcome the darkness and despair that often threaten to overwhelm him.
Throughout the poem, Blake uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the transformative power of love. He speaks of Tirzah as a "cherub bright," a "healing balm," a "gentle nurse," a "sacred shrine," a "saviour sweet," and a "holy flame." Each of these images speaks to a different aspect of Tirzah's beauty and the transformative power of love, and together they create a powerful portrait of a woman who is both beautiful and redemptive.
At the heart of "To Tirzah" is a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the transformative power of love. Blake speaks of Tirzah as a gift from God, a source of light and hope in a world that is often dark and despairing. He recognizes that without her, he would be lost and adrift, unable to find his way back to the path of righteousness. He speaks of her as a "blessed angel" who has been sent to him by God, and who has the power to lift him up and help him to see the beauty and goodness in the world around him.
In many ways, "To Tirzah" can be seen as a celebration of the redemptive power of love, and a testament to the transformative potential of human relationships. It speaks to the deep human need for connection and companionship, and the ways in which love can help us to overcome the darkness and despair that often threaten to overwhelm us. It is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of our struggles and trials, there is always hope, and that love can help us to find our way back to the light.
In conclusion, "To Tirzah" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the transformative power of love. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Blake creates a portrait of a woman who is both beautiful and redemptive, and who has the power to lift him up and help him to see the beauty and goodness in the world around him. It is a poem that celebrates the deep human need for connection and companionship, and the ways in which love can help us to overcome the darkness and despair that often threaten to overwhelm us. Ultimately, it is a poem of hope and redemption, a testament to the transformative potential of human relationships, and a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles and trials, there is always hope.
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