Poem Analysis - When Klopstock England Defied

A Blasphemous Burst of Rebellion

William Blake’s "When Klopstock England Defied" is a short, satirical explosion of rebellious energy. The poem drips with mocking humor, targeting both the German poet Klopstock (who was highly regarded in England at the time) and a domineering, archaic God figure Blake calls "Nobodaddy." The tone is initially one of defiant bravado, transitioning into outright mockery and a celebration of individual creative power. The poem, despite its brevity, pulsates with a wild, almost chaotic energy.

Background of the Bard's Fury

William Blake was a radical visionary, deeply critical of established institutions, including the Church and conventional artistic tastes. The poem is likely a reaction against the perceived stifling influence of figures like Klopstock, whose work Blake may have seen as overly formal and lacking in genuine inspiration. "Nobodaddy" is Blake's satirical representation of a judgmental, controlling God, a concept he frequently challenged in his artistic and poetic works. This poem, therefore, is not merely about Klopstock; it's about the stifling of artistic freedom and the rebellion against oppressive authority, both religious and artistic.

The Fury of Creative Independence

One of the central themes is the assertion of individual creative independence. Blake positions himself as a force opposing both Klopstock's perceived influence and the tyrannical "Nobodaddy." The imagery of Blake "giving his body ease" under the poplar trees suggests a state of relaxed inspiration, a natural and unforced creativity. This contrasts sharply with the divine pronouncements of Nobodaddy, whose pronouncements require the earth to quake.

Another theme is the rejection of established authority. "Nobodaddy," with his belching and coughing, is a grotesque caricature of a traditional God figure. The poem satirizes the very notion of divine power, presenting it as absurd and ultimately powerless against Blake's own creative force. The fact that Nobodaddy "ne'er had seen such a thing before" highlights the unprecedented nature of Blake's artistic rebellion.

Finally, the poem subtly explores the power of artistic creation to disrupt the established order. Blake's "three times three" turns cause cosmic chaos: the moon blushes, the stars flee, and the devils yell. Klopstock himself is physically affected, his "bowels" churning. This suggests that true artistic expression can challenge and even dismantle oppressive systems and challenge the status quo.

Cosmic Chaos and Bowel-Churning Rebellion

The image of the moon blushing "scarlet red" and the stars throwing down their "cups" is a vivid symbol of cosmic upheaval. This suggests that Blake's defiance is not a minor transgression but a fundamental challenge to the established order of the universe. The "cups" of the stars might represent tradition, order, or divine judgment, all of which are discarded in the face of Blake's revolutionary spirit. The image of Klopstock's "bowels" churning is a comically grotesque symbol of the physical and emotional turmoil caused by Blake's rebellious act. It highlights the discomfort and disruption that genuine artistic expression can inflict upon those who cling to tradition or dogma.

The symbolism of "ninefold" is interesting. This repetition, along with the "three times three," has some roots in Christian theology or other religious beliefs, though the precise interpretation might depend on Blake's personal beliefs. Regardless, the repetition of a number serves to emphasize the intensity and significance of the event in the poem.

A Final Act of Defiance

"When Klopstock England Defied" is a condensed explosion of Blake's artistic and spiritual rebellion. It's a humorous yet powerful statement about the importance of individual creative freedom and the rejection of oppressive authority. The poem's lasting significance lies in its celebration of the artist as a disruptive force, capable of challenging even the most entrenched systems of power and dogma. It asks us to consider the power of artistic expression to transform both the individual and the world around them, even with a good dose of satire and a touch of cosmic chaos.