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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Blake’S Green Symbols Of Humanity, Society, And Spirituality, Angela J. Heagy
Blake’S Green Symbols Of Humanity, Society, And Spirituality, Angela J. Heagy
Criterion: A Journal of Literary Criticism
William Blake is an exemplar of Romantic poetry characterized by depictions of the occult, the divine, and human nature. Despite Blake’s reputation as a Romantic poet, many critics claim that there is not sufficient evidence to consider him a nature writer. As a result, Blake’s name is frequently omitted from ecological discussions; some scholars go so far as to claim that Blake’s poetry demonstrates a disregard for nature altogether. This article argues that an eco-critical analysis of Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience reveals nature to be Blake’s continual source of inspiration. Within this collection, nature represents the struggles …
The Magic Of Yeats' "The Lake Isle Of Innisfree": Kabbalism, Numerology, And Tarot Cards, Genevieve Pettijohn
The Magic Of Yeats' "The Lake Isle Of Innisfree": Kabbalism, Numerology, And Tarot Cards, Genevieve Pettijohn
Criterion: A Journal of Literary Criticism
Yeats’ poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” contains occult symbols derived from Kabbalism, numerology, and tarot cards. Although the poem was published near the beginning of Yeats’ induction into Hermetic Society of the Golden Dawn, “Innisfree” demonstrates the magical prowess requisite to advance in the Society and thus further Yeats' ability to practice magic, for which he had an alleged natural ability. I assert that an understanding of Kabbalism, numerology, and tarot cards is essential not only in decoding the meanings behind “Innisfree” but in gauging Yeats’ own understanding of the Second Order of the Golden Dawn, which he was …