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Blake's Concept of Imagination: A Philosophical Exploration

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of English, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka- 1213, Bangladesh
  • 2Department of English, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka- 1213, Bangladesh

Res. J. Language and Literature Sci., Volume 11, Issue (3), Pages 1-9, September,19 (2024)

Abstract

This essay explores William Blake's, the visionary poet and artist, complex and multidimensional notion of imagination. This investigation, which stands at the nexus of philosophy and literature, aims to peel back the layers of Blake's imaginary world while looking at its philosophical foundations and ramifications. The English poet Wordsworth states, "It is undeniable that this poor man was insane, but there is something about his madness that intrigues me more than Lord Byron and Walter Scott's sanity". One Blake broke beyond traditional bounds in his lyrical and artistic works, promoting a visionary form of perception that went beyond simple sensory experience. Blake was a fervent supporter of the power of the human imagination. This article navigates through Blake's writings, particularly emphasizing his literary works like "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" and "Jerusalem," to analyze the nuanced dimensions of his imaginative philosophy. By scrutinizing Blake's views on the creative imagination, its role in shaping reality, and its connection to spiritual and artistic expression, this exploration aims at contributing to a deeper understanding of the profound significance of imagination in Blake's literary and philosophical legacy. Through this philosophical lens, readers are invited to engage with Blake's intricate worldview and appreciate the enduring relevance of his thoughts on the boundless potential of the human imagination.

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