Night - Classic Text | Alexandria
Night by William Blake
"Night," a profound lyric poem from William Blake's seminal collection "Songs of Innocence and Experience" (1794), stands as a masterful exploration of childhood innocence, divine protection, and nocturnal mysticism. The poem, appearing in the "Songs of Innocence" portion of the collection, exemplifies Blake's unique ability to merge childlike wonder with deep spiritual significance.
Originally etched and hand-colored by Blake himself, "Night" emerged during a period of intense social and political upheaval in late 18th-century England. The Industrial Revolution was transforming urban landscapes, while revolutionary ideals from France were challenging established hierarchies. Within this context, Blake's poem offered a counterpoint to the period's increasing materialism, presenting night not as a time of danger but as a realm of divine protection and spiritual awakening.
The poem's evolution in critical interpretation reflects changing perspectives on childhood, spirituality, and human consciousness. Early Victorian readers often viewed it as a simple children's verse, but twentieth-century scholars revealed its complex layers of symbolism. The angels who "pour sleep on flowers" and protect the flock have been interpreted variously as representations of divine grace, maternal care, or the imagination's protective power. Blake's distinctive integration of text and visual art in the original illuminated printing adds another dimension of meaning, with the accompanying illustration depicting angels watching over sleeping sheep, creating a multimedia experience that was revolutionary for its time.
The legacy of "Night" continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of childhood innocence, spiritual protection, and the role of imagination in human experience. Modern environmental movements have found particular significance in its portrayal of harmony between natural and supernatural realms. The poem's enduring mystery lies in its ability to speak simultaneously to children and philosophers, offering immediate comfort while suggesting deeper metaphysical truths. Its influence can be traced in works ranging from children's literature to philosophical treatises on perception and consciousness, confirming Blake's assertion that "the child's toys and the old man's reasons are the fruits of two seasons."