Welcome to Poem of the Day – England! awake! awake! awake! by William Blake
William Blake, one of England’s most visionary poets, was known for his deep concern about social justice, spirituality, and national identity. His poem “England! awake! awake! awake!” is a passionate call for England to recognize its true spiritual and moral strength. The poem expresses his hope for a nation that embraces freedom, justice, and divine inspiration.
England! awake! awake! awake! Poem
England! awake! awake! awake!
Jerusalem thy Sister calls!
Why wilt thou sleep the sleep of death
And close her from thy ancient walls?
Thy hills and valleys felt her feet
Gently upon their bosoms move:
Thy gates beheld sweet Zion’s ways:
Then was a time of joy and love.
And now the time returns again:
Our souls exult, and London’s towers
Receive the Lamb of God to dwell
In England’s green and pleasant bowers.
England! awake! awake! awake! Explanation
Summary of the Poem
In this poem, Blake urges England to awaken from its state of moral and spiritual decline. He calls for the nation to recognize its divine destiny and reclaim its greatness. The poem reflects Blake’s belief that England should be guided by vision, not by greed or oppression. He uses powerful imagery to convey his message, making the poem both a political and spiritual appeal.
Explanation and Analysis
1. Call to Awakening
The repetition of the phrase “awake! awake! awake!” serves as an urgent plea for England to open its eyes. Blake is not simply referring to physical awakening but to a deeper awareness of truth and righteousness. He believed that England had lost its way and needed to return to a path of enlightenment.
2. Criticism of Corruption
Blake was critical of institutions that promoted war, oppression, and inequality. Through this poem, he warns against the dangers of materialism and corruption. He believed that true strength came from spiritual vision, not from conquest or economic power.
3. The Role of Divine Inspiration
A recurring theme in Blake’s works is the idea that nations must be guided by divine inspiration. He often contrasts the material world with a higher spiritual realm. In this poem, he suggests that England must listen to the voice of divine wisdom rather than the voice of power and greed.
4. Hope for a New England
Despite his criticism, Blake does not lose hope. He envisions an England that is renewed, where people live in harmony and follow a moral path. His call to “awake” is an invitation to transform the nation into something greater.
Conclusion
William Blake’s “England! awake! awake! awake!” is a powerful and passionate poem that calls for national renewal. It urges England to embrace justice, spiritual enlightenment, and a higher moral purpose. Through simple yet striking language, Blake delivers a timeless message about the true greatness of a nation—one that is built on vision and righteousness rather than on power and greed. His words continue to inspire readers today, reminding us of the importance of awakening to truth and justice.
