William Blake's "Jerusalem" is both a poem and an illuminated manuscript, part of his broader work known as the "Prophetic Books." Here's a brief overview and summary:
Title: "Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion"
Context:
"Jerusalem" is one of Blake's most complex and ambitious works. It deals with themes of redemption, the fall and potential regeneration of humanity, and the relationship between art, religion, and society.
The poem is set in a mythical, symbolic landscape where historical and biblical figures interact in a narrative that's both timeless and contemporary to Blake's time.
Summary:
Structure: Divided into four chapters, each titled with a different subtitle, the poem uses intricate narrative and symbolic language.
Plot: The central figure, Albion (representing Britain, or humanity at large), has fallen into a spiritual slumber, symbolizing the fragmentation and moral decay of society. Jerusalem, Albion's emanation, represents divine inspiration or the spiritual aspect of humanity that needs to be reclaimed.
Characters:
Albion - The giant who represents England or humanity, caught in a state of spiritual sleep.
Jerusalem - A symbol of divine vision, peace, and spiritual awakening.
Los - The eternal prophet and artist, akin to Blake himself, who tries to awaken Albion.
Vala - Represents nature, sometimes seen as a fallen aspect of Jerusalem, embodying materialism and the natural world that distracts from spiritual truth.
Themes:
Redemption: The poem explores the idea of redemption through the reawakening of Albion, symbolizing the hope for spiritual and societal rebirth.
Art and Vision: Blake emphasizes the role of art (and poetry) in this awakening, seeing it as a means to combat materialism and to envision a new Jerusalem.
Critique of Industrial Society: Blake criticizes the industrial revolution's dehumanizing effects, equating it with spiritual decay.
Illustrations: Blake's own illustrations are integral to understanding the poem, providing visual metaphors and expanding on the text's symbolic meanings. Each page of the manuscript blends text with art, making "Jerusalem" a unique fusion of literature and visual art.
""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!"
Did King Ieusus visit England, per a variation of the established chronological time-line?
Possible?
GN
BOSPHORUS
OXFORD
indicating a migration?
As Plymouth, MAss was named from the place the migrant set off from?
The mouth of the River Plym?
when you realize how much you've been lied to, space open for counter, possible narratives.
When contradictions are resolved whole fields of previously hidden knowledge open up?