Songs of Innocence and of Experience

William Blake's Songs of Innocence and of Experience is the work of one of the the English language's greatest poets and artists. With this work, Blake sought to reveal what he called “the two contrary states of the human soul.” He presents these states in deceptively simple ways—literally childlike in the “Innocence” poems. In both his songs, Blake offers insight into deeper levels of meaning and provides suggestions for ways to get out of the apparent trap of self-hood. In so doing, each reading and re-reading provides greater insight and understanding not only into the poems but also into our lives.