William Blake Context

Innocence and Experiene- "Two contrary states of the human soul"

State of Innocence

• We look at things freshly
• Natural objects are a cause of wonder and delight
• We have a child's perspective
• There is a simple joy and willingness to see innocence in the world

State of Experience

• Our visions are darkened by adult fears and anxieties 
• We begin to ask questions about what we see
• Concerned about human suffering 
• Effects of alienation
• Aware of the evil in the world
• We look at the world more deeply but that sometimes causes pain

Nurse's Song- Innocence

• Nurse represents the caring and nurturing capacity within human beings- innocence
• Nurse delights in their charge and has no desire to repress or rule
• But this…