THE MEMORY OF THE AMERICAN AND FRENCH REVOLUTIONS IN WILLIAM BLAKE’S AMERICA: A PROPHECY AND EUROPE: A PROPHECY
THE MEMORY OF THE AMERICAN AND FRENCH REVOLUTIONS IN WILLIAM BLAKE’S AMERICA: A PROPHECY AND EUROPE: A PROPHECY

Summary/Abstract: The French and American Revolutions were radical historical events of paramount significance for the subsequent fate of the two continents- Europe and America. They entailed deep social changes and fostered revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality that challenged the old hierarchies. William Blake, the English Romantic poet, lived amidst the turmoil and excitement brought by these mnemonically outstanding events- his lifespan comprised both revolutions. This paper sets out to explore his stance towards the French and American Revolutions in two of his prophetic books, Europe: A Prophecy and America: A Prophecy. The books reveal a harmonious blending of historical fact with mythological figures, such as Orc, the outstanding character that represents the revolutionary spirit. In addition, the presence of intertextuality in the poems, besides attesting to the pervasiveness and importance of these cultural upheavals at the time, authorizes subjective poetic memory and contributes to meaning-making, by reference to other works or documents dwelling on similar subjects. Blake recalls the images of noteworthy figures that played a major role in the revolutions; he also invokes sites of memory and scenes of war. Last but not least, the poet calls forth the emotional states dominating the people from both continents. Being an Englishman living in a monarchy, Blake stresses out throughout the books England’s attitude and reaction towards the French and American Revolutions, which shows his high concern for the fate of his country. His prophetic writings represent a critical contemplation and interpretation of historical fact, but they also betray a vivid impression imprinted upon his mind. The poet, who was personally affected by censorship and accusations of treason, wrote in order to make meaning of the social and cultural crisis he was witnessing.

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