Poem Analysis - The Book Of Urizen Chapter 7

Introduction: A World of Creation, Constraint, and Rebellion

William Blake's "The Book of Urizen: Chapter 7" plunges us into a mythic landscape of creation, control, and burgeoning rebellion. The poem unfolds with a sense of struggle and confinement, marked by sorrow and pain as the child Orc is born and chained. The tone shifts from lament to a sense of burgeoning defiance as Orc's voice awakens life, even as Urizen seeks to impose order. Ultimately, the poem presents a dynamic tension between restrictive reason and the liberating force of nature and prophecy.

The Chains of Reason vs. the Fires of Prophecy

One of the main themes explored in this chapter is the conflict between reason and imagination. Urizen, representing reason and law, meticulously creates tools of measurement and division: "He form'd a line & a plummet / To divide the Abyss beneath." This action symbolizes his attempt to quantify and control the boundless, chaotic realm of existence. In contrast, Los, representing imagination and prophecy, encircles Enitharmon with "fires of Prophecy," protecting her and Orc from Urizen's restrictive influence. This image suggests that imagination is a vital force, capable of shielding against the cold, analytical gaze of reason.

Jealousy, Oppression, and the Birth of Rebellion

The poem powerfully portrays the theme of oppression. Orc's chaining to the rock is a central image of this. He is chained "With the Chain of Jealousy / Beneath Urizens deathful shadow." This act highlights the suffocating nature of Urizen's control and how it stems from his possessiveness and fear of anything that challenges his authority. However, Orc's voice, even while chained, sparks awakening and life, demonstrating the inherent resilience and rebellious spirit that cannot be fully contained by oppressive forces. The chains themselves can be interpreted as not just physical restraints, but also the mental and emotional chains of societal norms and expectations that stifle creativity and freedom.

The Cycle of Restriction and Liberation

The repeated image of the "girdle" and its bursting represents a cycle of restriction and attempted liberation. Los's struggle to break free from the tightening girdles around his bosom mirrors the broader struggle against Urizen's controlling influence. The fact that each broken girdle is replaced by another signifies the persistent nature of oppression, but also the enduring impulse to break free. The fact that the girdles are formed by day and broken by night is also important, the daylight brings order and rigidity while the night allows for creativity and the breaking of rules.

Symbolic Gardens and Awakening Voices

Several powerful symbols recur throughout the poem. Urizen's "garden of fruits" represents a sterile, controlled environment, lacking the spontaneity and vitality of nature untamed. It's a symbolic attempt to impose order and predictability on the world. In contrast, Orc's voice acts as a symbol of awakening and revolutionary potential. The fact that "The dead heard the voice of the child / And began to awake from sleep" suggests that Orc represents a life-affirming force that challenges the established order and breathes life into a world stifled by Urizen's laws.

Conclusion: A Seed of Rebellion Planted

"The Book of Urizen: Chapter 7" presents a bleak yet ultimately hopeful vision. While Urizen's forces of reason and control attempt to dominate, the poem highlights the enduring power of imagination, prophecy, and the rebellious spirit embodied by Orc. The chapter concludes not with a resolution, but with a sense of ongoing struggle and the planting of a seed of rebellion that promises future upheaval and transformation. The significance lies in the poem's exploration of the human struggle for freedom against oppressive forces, a struggle that resonates across time and cultures.