Jerusalem
By William Blake
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England’s pleasant pastures seen!And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England’s green & pleasant Land.
Unveiling the Vision: A Concise Overview of “Jerusalem”
William Blake’s “Jerusalem” is far more than a simple poem; it is a profound and enduring call to spiritual and social renewal, first published as part of his epic poem Milton a Poem in 1804. This powerful work invites readers to contemplate England’s spiritual identity, questioning whether a divine presence once graced its landscapes and if an ideal, heavenly “Jerusalem” could truly be established within its borders.
The Central Idea: A Spiritual Battle for England’s Soul
At its heart, “Jerusalem” explores a profound tension between the idyllic natural beauty of England and the harsh realities of the burgeoning Industrial Revolution. Blake laments the perceived loss of spiritual connection and the degradation brought about by the “dark Satanic Mills,” which symbolize not just factories but also the oppressive forces of materialism, industrialization, and spiritual decay. The poem’s central idea is a passionate declaration of intent: to wage a “Mental Fight” against these destructive forces and to build a new, spiritual “Jerusalem” in England, transforming the nation into a place of divine harmony and justice.
Noteworthy Knowledge for Every Reader
- A National Anthem of the Spirit: While not officially a national anthem, “Jerusalem” has become one of England’s most beloved and recognized patriotic hymns. Its musical setting by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916 cemented its place in the national consciousness, often performed at significant events and sporting occasions.
- A Hymn for Social Change: The poem’s message of spiritual renewal and fighting against oppressive forces resonated deeply with various social movements. It was particularly embraced by the Women’s Suffrage movement in the early 20th century, who saw Blake’s call to build a better “Jerusalem” as a metaphor for achieving equality and justice.
- Blake’s Visionary Art: William Blake was not only a poet but also a painter and printmaker. His works often combined text and intricate illustrations, reflecting his unique mystical and prophetic vision. “Jerusalem” is a testament to his belief in the power of imagination and spiritual awakening to transform society.
A Deep Dive into “Jerusalem”: Literary Devices at Play
William Blake masterfully employs a rich tapestry of literary devices to imbue “Jerusalem” with its profound meaning and emotional resonance. Understanding these techniques unlocks deeper layers of the poem’s powerful message.
- Allusion: Allusion involves a reference to another work of literature, history, or culture. Blake’s poem is steeped in religious allusions, drawing heavily from biblical narratives.
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?The title itself, “Jerusalem,” is a direct allusion to the biblical city, symbolizing a sacred ideal, a place of peace and divine presence. The “holy Lamb of God” directly references Jesus Christ, linking England’s spiritual past to Christian theology. These allusions elevate the poem, giving it a universal spiritual significance beyond its immediate context.
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. Blake uses assonance to create a sense of musicality and to subtly emphasize certain phrases.
Walk upon England’s mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England’s pleasant pastures seen!The repetition of the long ‘e’ sound in “green” and “seen” creates a harmonious and flowing quality, enhancing the idyllic imagery of England’s landscape and the gentle presence of the divine.
- Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines. This device builds intensity and emphasizes the speaker’s fervent desire.
Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!The insistent repetition of “Bring me” in the third stanza creates a powerful, almost prayer-like plea, underscoring the speaker’s urgent and determined call for the spiritual tools necessary to wage his “Mental Fight.”
- Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words, often at the beginning or middle, creating a subtle sonic texture.
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
The repetition of the ‘k’ sound in “dark” and “Satanic” and the ‘s’ sound in “these” and “Satanic” contributes to the harsh, unsettling atmosphere associated with the industrial landscape, making the phrase more memorable and impactful.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a sentence or thought continues from one line of poetry to the next without a grammatical break or punctuation. This creates a sense of fluidity and continuous thought.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green:The continuation of the sentence from “time” to “Walk” without a pause encourages the reader to move swiftly between the lines, mirroring the speaker’s flowing questions and the seamless connection between ancient time and England’s landscape.
- Imagery: Blake’s poem is exceptionally rich in vivid imagery, appealing to the senses and creating powerful mental pictures.
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
This phrase conjures a stark and unsettling image of industrial pollution and spiritual decay, contrasting sharply with the earlier imagery of “mountains green” and “pleasant pastures.” The “Bow of burning gold” and “Chariot of fire” evoke dynamic, almost apocalyptic visions of spiritual warfare and divine power.
- Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as,” stating that one thing is another. The entire poem operates on a metaphorical level.
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England’s green & pleasant Land.“Jerusalem” is not merely a physical city; it is a powerful metaphor for a state of spiritual perfection, social justice, and divine harmony. Similarly, the “dark Satanic Mills” are a metaphor for the oppressive forces of industrialization and materialism that threaten this ideal.
- Rhetorical Question: A rhetorical question is asked for effect or to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. The opening stanzas of “Jerusalem” are composed almost entirely of these.
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?These questions are not meant to be answered literally but are designed to provoke deep thought, challenge assumptions about England’s spiritual heritage, and highlight the speaker’s profound concern for the nation’s soul.
- Symbolism: Symbolism involves the use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else. Several elements in the poem carry significant symbolic weight.
Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!“Jerusalem” symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and an ideal society. The “Mills” symbolize the negative consequences of industrialization and materialism. The “bow,” “arrows,” “spear,” and “chariot” symbolize spiritual power, divine inspiration, and the tools needed for the “Mental Fight” against corruption.
Crafting the Message: Poetic Devices in “Jerusalem”
Beyond its rich literary content, “Jerusalem” is also a masterclass in poetic form and structure, with Blake skillfully employing various poetic devices to enhance its impact and memorability.
- Diction: Diction refers to the poet’s choice of words. Blake’s diction in “Jerusalem” is a compelling blend of elevated, almost archaic language and direct, passionate expression.
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?Phrases like “Countenance Divine” and “holy Lamb of God” lend a formal, reverent, and biblical tone, while words like “fight” and “sleep” are more visceral, creating a powerful emotional effect that underscores the poem’s spiritual urgency.
- End Rhyme: End rhyme occurs when words at the end of lines rhyme with each other. “Jerusalem” employs a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme throughout its stanzas.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England’s pleasant pastures seen!The regular rhyme scheme (time/God, green/seen) creates a sense of musicality, rhythm, and structural cohesion, making the poem both pleasing to the ear and easier to remember.
- Quatrain: A quatrain is a stanza consisting of four lines. Each stanza in “Jerusalem” is a quatrain.
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England’s green & pleasant Land.This traditional poetic form provides a clear, balanced structure to the poem, allowing Blake to develop his ideas in concise, digestible units, each contributing to the overarching theme.
- Stanza: A stanza is a group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem. “Jerusalem” is organized into four distinct stanzas. This structure allows Blake to progress through his argument: from questioning England’s past, to lamenting its present, to declaring a determined future. Each stanza builds upon the last, guiding the reader through the poem’s evolving emotional and thematic landscape.
- Tone: Tone refers to the poet’s attitude toward the subject matter. The tone of “Jerusalem” is dynamic and shifts throughout the poem. It begins with a tone of questioning and wistful lament in the opening stanzas, expressing concern for England’s spiritual state. This then transitions into a tone of passionate resolve and determined conviction in the latter stanzas, as the speaker declares his unwavering commitment to the “Mental Fight” and the building of a new “Jerusalem.”
The Enduring Legacy of “Jerusalem”
William Blake’s “Jerusalem” remains a timeless and potent poem, resonating with its powerful blend of spiritual inquiry, social critique, and unwavering hope. It challenges readers to look beyond the visible world and to consider the spiritual landscape of their own lives and communities. Through its masterful use of literary and poetic devices, Blake crafts not just a poem, but a rallying cry for imagination, justice, and the relentless pursuit of a better, more divine world. The “Mental Fight” Blake calls for is an eternal one, reminding us that the building of “Jerusalem” is an ongoing endeavor, requiring constant vigilance, passion, and belief in the transformative power of the human spirit.