Poem A Day: And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time Explanation

by Amy
mountains green

Welcome to Poem of the Day – And did those feet in ancient time by William Blake.

And did those feet in ancient time, often referred to as “Jerusalem,” is a poem by William Blake. It has become one of Blake’s most celebrated works, renowned for its powerful imagery and patriotic tone. The poem questions whether Jesus once walked upon England’s “mountains green” and contrasts a pastoral, idyllic vision of England with the “dark Satanic mills” representing industrialization. The poem ultimately conveys a desire to create a better, almost heavenly, version of England.

And did those feet in ancient time Poem

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.

And did those feet in ancient time Poem Explanation

In And did those feet in ancient time, Blake opens by questioning whether Jesus might have visited England during ancient times, a reference to a myth suggesting that Jesus traveled to Britain. These lines evoke a sense of hope, imagining England as a blessed, sacred land. Blake then introduces the “dark Satanic mills,” symbolic of industrialization’s destructive impact. This represents a shift from the green, harmonious vision of England to one marred by machinery and pollution.

The poem moves from this tension between purity and industrialization to a call for action, with Blake urging readers to strive for a new “Jerusalem” on English soil. This Jerusalem represents a utopian society based on justice, peace, and harmony. Through vivid and passionate language, Blake inspires readers to confront societal issues and seek change, creating a sense of duty to build a better future.

Structure and Form

The poem consists of four quatrains, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure adds a rhythmic flow, making the poem memorable and impactful, especially when recited or sung. Blake’s choice of a straightforward rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter gives the poem a hymn-like quality, reinforcing its spiritual and patriotic undertones.

This structure also serves to balance the contrasting themes of idealism and industrialization within the poem. The steady rhythm reflects Blake’s determined call for change and justice, presenting the poem as a kind of rallying cry. This metrical regularity mirrors the unwavering resolve to transform England into a “New Jerusalem.”

Detailed Explanation of Major Elements

Imagery: Blake uses vivid imagery to create a powerful contrast between the idyllic and the destructive. The “mountains green” and “pleasant pastures” symbolize a pure, untouched land, evoking a vision of England as it could be. Conversely, the “dark Satanic mills” paint a bleak picture of industrialization, with factories and pollution overtaking the natural landscape. These images emphasize the conflict between nature and industry, as well as the impact of progress on the soul of England.

Symbolism: Many of the poem’s key images carry deep symbolic meaning. The idea of Jesus walking in England symbolizes spiritual purity, while the “dark Satanic mills” represent corruption and the loss of innocence due to industrialization. Jerusalem itself stands as a symbol of a perfect society or paradise, where values like kindness, justice, and peace are restored. Blake’s call for a “New Jerusalem” suggests a desire for societal reform, emphasizing the possibility of a better future through collective effort.

Tone: The tone of the poem is both hopeful and critical. Blake’s initial questions are contemplative, imagining a vision of England as sacred. As the poem progresses, the tone becomes more resolute, urging readers to take action and overcome the destructive forces of industry. This shift in tone—from idealistic to determined—serves to rally readers, making the poem feel like both a prayer and a call to arms.

Theme: The primary theme of And did those feet in ancient time is the quest for a better world. Blake contrasts the purity of an idealized England with the grim reality of industrialization, highlighting the challenges posed by social and technological changes. By invoking the idea of building a “New Jerusalem,” Blake expresses his hope for a transformed England, where justice, compassion, and spiritual values prevail over greed and materialism. This theme resonates as a timeless call to aspire to a fairer, more harmonious society.

Conclusion

William Blake’s And did those feet in ancient time is both a critique of industrialization and a vision of hope for a transformed England. Through powerful imagery, symbolism, and a determined tone, Blake encourages readers to pursue an ideal of justice and peace. The poem’s message—calling for a “New Jerusalem”—continues to inspire those who seek a world where spiritual values triumph over materialism and progress aligns with moral integrity.

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