The Garden of Love

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1794

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Related Poems

Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake (1789-1794)

This is the complete collection of Blake’s two sets of poems, Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, the latter of which contains “The Garden of Love.” The two volumes depict firstly the state of innocence in childhood and then its lamentable, inevitable loss in adulthood, a product of knowledge of the world and society.

“The Lamb” by William Blake (1789)

This poem from Songs of Innocence contains the metaphor of the innocent lamb, creation of God, to depict the child born free and in the image of God. This is one of Blake’s most well-loved poems and represents his view of the purity of children when they are born into the world.

“The Tyger” by William Blake (1794)

This is the contrasting or sister poem to “The Lamb,” found in Songs of Experience. The tiger, or tiger, is a metaphor for the negative and destructive power of God and, as well, makes a commentary on the demeaning effects of mechanization as a result of the Industrial Revolution.

Further Literary Resources

The William Blake Archive

An archive of William Blake’s artistic and literary work, with historical data. His illustrations for his illuminated works, such as “The Garden of Love,” can be seen here.

The Romantic Movement by The Art Story.org

An in-depth guide to the artists, ideas, and background of the Romantic movement, to which William Blake belonged.

Profile of William Blake by The Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation provides a detailed account of Blake’s life and works.