Recalcitrant Rebellion as ArtWilliam Blake was an English Romantic poet who lived from 1757 to 1827 through the American and French Revolutions. Although he lived in the Romantic era and was clearly part of the movement, Blake was a modern thinker with a rebellious political spirit. He was the first to use poetry and art as sociopolitical weapons to be brandished rebelliously against the establishment. His poetry illustrates many of the same topics discussed today. Although he is known as both a madman and a mystic, (Elliott) his poetry is both relevant and radical. He used a brilliant approach in tackling the uncomfortable political and moral topics of his time and from them he created unique artistic representations. His poetry recounts in symbolic allegory the negative effects of the French and American revolutions and his visual arts depict the violence and sadistic nature of slavery. Blake was arguably one of the most staunchly anti-oppression and anti-establishment English writers. Blake had an uncanny ability to use his work to illustrate the unpleasant and often painful realities around him. His poetry systematically embodies an attitude of revolt against the abuses of class and power which seems guided by a unique spirituality. His spiritual beliefs went beyond the boundaries of religious elites loyal to the monarchy. “He drew inspiration from dissident religious ideas rooted in the thinking of the most radical opponents of the monarchy during the English Civil War” (EP Thompson). Concern about war and the devastating effects of the Industrial Revolution was evident in much of his work. One of Blake's most famous works is The Songs of Innocence and The Songs of Expe...... middle of paper ...... transcend the material world and reach what Blake sees as the real world of the mind. The play's hidden interpretation is a revealing commentary on Blake's unconventional religious consciousness. William Blake was a modern thinker with a recalcitrant political mind. He used poetry and art as sociopolitical weapons, wielded boldly against the establishment. These socio-political weapons, which began with him, are still used today in all types of artistic and political activities. Although known as a madman and a mystic, (Elliott) his art and poetry were driven by visions of radical change. Even today, his work is both relevant and profound. The brilliant approach he took to difficult political and moral topics created unique artistic depictions that are just as relevant today as they were when Blake first adopted their use..