Auguries of Innocence
by William Blake
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
A Robin Red breast in a Cage
Puts all Heaven in a Rage
A Dove house filled with Doves & Pigeons
Shudders Hell thr all its regions
A dog starved at his Masters Gate
Predicts the ruin of the State
A Horse misused upon the Road
Calls to Heaven for Human blood
Each outcry of the hunted Hare
A fibre from the Brain does tear
A Skylark wounded in the wing
A Cherubim does cease to sing
The Game Cock clipped & armed for fight
Does the Rising Sun affright
Every Wolves & Lions howl
Raises from Hell a Human Soul
The wild deer, wandering here & there
Keeps the Human Soul from Care
The Lamb misused breeds Public Strife
And yet forgives the Butcher’s knife
The Bat that flits at close of Eve
Has left the Brain that wont Believe
The Owl that calls upon the Night
Speaks the Unbelievers fright
He who shall hurt the little Wren
Shall never be beloved by Men
He who the Ox to wrath has moved
Shall never be by Woman loved
The wanton Boy that kills the Fly
Shall feel the Spiders enmity
He who torments the Chafers Sprite
Weaves a Bower in endless Night
The Caterpillar on the Leaf
Repeats to thee thy Mothers grief
Kill not the Moth nor Butterfly
For the Last Judgment draweth nigh
He who shall train the Horse to War
Shall never pass the Polar Bar
The Beggars Dog & Widows Cat
Feed them & thou wilt grow fat
The Gnat that sings his Summers Song
Poison gets from Slanders tongue
The poison of the Snake & Newt
Is the sweat of Envy’s Foot
The poison of the Honey Bee
Is the Artist’s Jealousy
The Princes Robes & Beggars Rags
Are Toadstools on the Misers Bags
A Truth that is told with bad intent
Beats all the Lies you can invent
It is right it should be so
Man was made for Joy & Woe
And when this we rightly know
Through the World we safely go
Joy & Woe are woven fine
A Clothing for the soul divine
Under every grief & pine
Runs a joy with silken twine
The Babe is more than swaddling Bands
Throughout all these Human Lands
Tools were made & Born were hands
Every Farmer Understands
Every Tear from Every Eye
Becomes a Babe in Eternity
This is caught by Females bright
And returned to its own delight
The Bleat the Bark Bellow & Roar
Are Waves that Beat on Heavens Shore
The Babe that weeps the Rod beneath
Writes Revenge in realms of Death
The Beggars Rags fluttering in Air
Does to Rags the Heavens tear
The Soldier armed with Sword & Gun
Palsied strikes the Summers Sun
The poor Mans Farthing is worth more
Than all the Gold on Africs Shore
One Mite wrung from the Labrers hands
Shall buy & sell the Misers Lands
Or if protected from on high
Does that whole Nation sell & buy
He who mocks the Infants Faith
Shall be mocked in Age & Death
He who shall teach the Child to Doubt
The rotting Grave shall never get out
He who respects the Infants faith
Triumphs over Hell & Death
The Child’s Toys & the Old Mans Reasons
Are the Fruits of the Two seasons
The Questioner who sits so sly
Shall never know how to Reply
He who replies to words of Doubt
Doth put the Light of Knowledge out
The Strongest Poison ever known
Came from Caesars Laurel Crown
Nought can Deform the Human Race
Like to the Armours iron brace
When Gold & Gems adorn the Plow
To peaceful Arts shall Envy Bow
A Riddle or the Crickets Cry
Is to Doubt a fit Reply
The Emmets Inch & Eagles Mile
Make Lame Philosophy to smile
He who Doubts from what he sees
Will never Believe do what you Please
If the Sun & Moon should Doubt
They immediately Go out
To be in a Passion you Good may Do
But no Good if a Passion is in you
The Whore & Gambler by the State
Licensed build that Nations Fate
The Harlots cry from Street to Street
Shall weave Old Englands winding Sheet
The Winners Shout the Losers Curse
Dance before dead Englands Hearse
Every Night & every Morn
Some to Misery are Born
Every Morn and every Night
Some are Born to sweet delight
Some are Born to sweet delight
Some are Born to Endless Night
We are led to Believe a Lie
When we see not Through the Eye
Which was Born in a Night to perish in a Night
When the Soul Slept in Beams of Light
God Appears & God is Light
To those poor Souls who dwell in Night
But does a Human Form Display
To those who Dwell in Realms of day
Summary of Auguries of Innocence
- Overview: William Blake’s “Auguries of Innocence” is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of all things, and the consequences of cruelty, however small, upon the universal soul. Blake shows that every act, even seemingly insignificant ones toward animals or the vulnerable, reverberates throughout existence, influencing not only the earthly realm but also the spiritual.
- Central Idea: A key line, “A robin red breast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage,” encapsulates Blake’s belief in the inherent sacredness of all life and the devastating impact of oppression and injustice. It is a call to recognize the divine in every creature and to act with compassion and respect.
- Key Themes: The poem weaves together themes of innocence, experience, compassion, and the power of both good and evil. Blake challenges conventional notions of morality, suggesting that true understanding comes from recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the consequences of our actions. The poem is a complex system of symbolic representation, where every element – from the smallest insect to the mightiest ruler – contributes to a larger, cosmic balance.
In-Depth Analysis of “Auguries of Innocence”
“Auguries of Innocence” is not a narrative poem; it is a series of pronouncements, aphorisms, and symbolic statements. Each line can be interpreted on multiple levels, making it a rich and challenging work. Let us explore some key aspects and examples.
The Power of Small Acts: Microcosm and Macrocosm
Blake frequently uses the principle of microcosm and macrocosm – the idea that the universe is reflected in the smallest detail. This is evident in the opening lines:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
These lines suggest that the entirety of existence can be found within the smallest of things. True vision, Blake implies, is not about seeking grand spectacles but about recognizing the divine within the mundane. This sets the stage for the poem’s argument that even seemingly insignificant acts can have cosmic repercussions.
The Interconnectedness of Suffering and Joy
A crucial theme in “Auguries of Innocence” is the interplay between joy and woe. Blake suggests that they are inextricably linked, “woven fine, a clothing for the soul divine.”
Consider these lines:
The Babe that weeps the Rod beneath
Writes Revenge in realms of Death
This highlights the idea that suffering creates a corresponding reaction, and that acts of cruelty or oppression inevitably lead to consequences. It is a fundamental principle of the universe, where everything is connected by a network of cause and effect.
Animal Imagery as a Reflection of Humanity
Throughout the poem, Blake employs vivid animal imagery to critique human behavior. Animals are not merely symbols; they represent specific qualities and the consequences of human actions. For example:
A dog starved at his Masters Gate
Predicts the ruin of the State
This is not a literal prediction; rather, it symbolizes the decay of compassion and the inevitable downfall of a society that disregards the suffering of its most vulnerable members. Similarly, the mistreatment of a lamb or a horse reflects a broader disregard for life and justice.
The Subversion of Conventional Morality
Blake often challenges traditional notions of right and wrong. He suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that true morality lies beyond conventional standards.
Consider the lines:
He who respects the Infants faith
Triumphs over Hell & Death
This emphasizes the importance of nurturing innocence and believing in the power of imagination. It suggests that true strength comes not from worldly power but from spiritual understanding.
The Cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth
The poem also explores the cyclical nature of existence, with themes of birth, death, and rebirth woven throughout.
Look at:
Every Tear from Every Eye
Becomes a Babe in Eternity
This suggests that even suffering has a purpose and that loss is ultimately transformed into new life. This reinforces the idea that everything is interconnected and that the universe operates according to a larger, cosmic order.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Blake skillfully employs a range of literary and poetic devices to convey his complex ideas.
- Symbolism: The entire poem is steeped in symbolism, with animals, objects, and actions representing broader concepts and ideas.
- Metaphor & Simile: Blake uses figurative language to create vivid imagery and convey abstract concepts.
- Repetition: The use of repetition emphasizes key themes and creates a musical quality.
- Alliteration & Assonance: These devices enhance the poem’s rhythm and create a sense of harmony.
- Parallelism: The use of parallel structure creates a sense of balance and emphasizes certain ideas.
- Aphorism: Many lines function as concise, memorable statements of wisdom.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines from “Auguries of Innocence” can serve as powerful reminders of the poem’s central themes:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
This quote encourages us to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world and to recognize the divine in even the smallest of things.
A Robin Red breast in a Cage
Puts all heaven in a rage
This quote reminds us that every act of cruelty has far-reaching consequences and that we have a responsibility to protect all living beings.
“Auguries of Innocence” is a challenging but ultimately rewarding poem. Its complex symbolism and profound insights into the human condition continue to resonate with readers today. By exploring its themes and analyzing its literary devices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Blake’s visionary genius and the enduring power of his poetic voice.