RELG 126. The Poetry and Prophesies of William Blake

This course focuses on the lyric poems, extended epic cycles, and illuminated books of one of the most unique poets in English literature, William Blake (1757-1827). We will do a close reading of the poetry and images of the major works of Blake, with the help of text-critical, theoretical and historical perspectives, views of the body, innocence, experience, sexuality, the “margins” of literature; selfhood, self-giving, and “the gift of death” in the late prophetic books. Along with published books of the designs and extended commentaries on the illuminated books by David Erdman, images, bibliographies, and other resources from the online “Blake Archive” of Eaves and Viscomi will be used for “close reading” of Blake’s illuminated books and visionary designs.
Humanities.
2 credits.
Catalog chapter: Religion
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/religion

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