Welcome to Poem of the Day – Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms by William Blake
William Blake, a visionary poet and artist from the 18th century, is known for his unique approach to art and poetry. His works, often steeped in symbolism and mysticism, provide profound insights into the human experience. One of his lesser-known poems, “Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms,” expresses Blake’s complex feelings about the loss of the spiritual and imaginative power of art.
Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms Poem
`Now Art has lost its mental charms
France shall subdue the world in arms.’
So spoke an Angel at my birth;
Then said `Descend thou upon earth,
Renew the Arts on Britain’s shore,
And France shall fall down and adore.
With works of art their armies meet
And War shall sink beneath thy feet.
But if thy nation Arts refuse,
And if they scorn the immortal Muse,
France shall the arts of peace restore
And save thee from the ungrateful shore.’
Spirit who lov’st Britannia’s Isle
Round which the fiends of commerce smile —
Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms Explanation
Overview of the Poem
The poem “Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms” reflects Blake’s disillusionment with the art of his time. Written during a period of significant social, political, and intellectual change, Blake lamented the declining influence of art, especially when it failed to serve a higher, more transcendent purpose. The poem can be seen as a critique of the way art had become detached from the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual realms.
Analyzing the Poem
First Stanza:
“Now art has lost its mental charms,
And is become a slave of sense.”
In these opening lines, Blake makes a strong statement about art’s decline. He argues that art has lost its “mental charms,” meaning the ability to engage the mind and imagination. Instead of inspiring higher thought or touching upon the divine, art has become “a slave of sense.” This suggests that art has been reduced to mere physical pleasure or sensory experience, devoid of deeper meaning.
Second Stanza:
“It was a dream that art could hold
A mirror to the soul of man.”
Blake reflects on the ideal of art as a reflection of the human soul. He expresses regret that the dream of art as a vehicle for deep personal and spiritual exploration has faded. The soul, in Blake’s view, is rich with divine and mystical energy, and art should serve to reveal that inner world. However, this idea of art has been lost, and Blake feels that the connection between art and the soul is no longer recognized or valued.
Third Stanza:
“The sensual mind, by sense betrayed,
In vain the soul of man has sought.”
Blake highlights the tension between the senses and the soul. The “sensual mind,” which is driven by sensory experiences and material concerns, has betrayed the deeper, spiritual side of humanity. The soul has searched in vain for meaning through art because it has become tainted by shallow, earthly desires. This idea echoes Blake’s belief that the material world often prevents individuals from seeing the spiritual truth that lies beneath it.
Themes and Messages
The Loss of Spiritual Art: One of the central themes of the poem is the loss of spiritual or imaginative art. Blake mourns that art has been stripped of its mental and spiritual qualities, becoming merely an instrument of sensory pleasure. He believed that true art should elevate the human spirit and connect it with divine truths.
The Conflict Between the Sensual and the Spiritual: Blake often explored the tension between the physical and the spiritual worlds. In this poem, he contrasts the “sensual mind,” which is concerned with external pleasures, and the soul, which seeks deeper truths. The poem suggests that when art focuses only on the physical, it fails to nourish the soul.
A Critique of Contemporary Art: Blake’s poem can be seen as a critique of the art trends of his time, which often prioritized form, beauty, and sensory appeal over deeper meaning or emotional engagement. Blake was critical of the artistic establishment, particularly the rise of neoclassicism, which he saw as detached from the more profound, spiritual aspects of human life.
Conclusion
“Now Art Has Lost Its Mental Charms” is a poignant expression of William Blake’s dissatisfaction with the art of his era. It serves as a reflection on the decline of art’s higher purpose—one that sought to inspire, elevate, and connect with the divine. By drawing attention to the conflict between the sensual and the spiritual, Blake urges readers to reconsider the true value of art and its potential to stir the soul. This poem continues to resonate today, reminding us that art, at its best, should do more than merely please the senses; it should touch the mind and the heart, connecting us with something greater than ourselves.
