Unlock the secrets of William Blake’s timeless poetry with our ultimate guide, ‘Poems by Blake: Scoring High’. Dive into in-depth summaries of ‘The Divine Image’ and ‘The Human Abstract’, explore key themes, and master line-by-line explanations. Enhance your learning with Kaleidoscope guides, NCERT solutions, and practice questions. Discover expert analysis, notes, and study materials for Class 12 Elective English. Boost your scores with our comprehensive resource, featuring multiple-choice questions, sample papers, and previous year’s questions. Explore now and excel in your exams!
- Poems by Blake Summary
- Poems by Blake Themes
- Poems by Blake Line by Line Explanation
- Words Meaning of Poems by Blake Kaleidoscope
- Poems by Blake Questions and Answers
- Poems by Blake Extra Questions and Answers
- Summary of Poems by Blake in Hindi
- Summary of Poems by Blake in Urdu
- Poems by Blake Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Poems by Blake Summary
Summary of The Divine Image by William Blake
In The Divine Image, William Blake highlights the virtues of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. He presents them as divine qualities that people turn to in times of distress. Blake explains that these virtues represent both God and humanity. Mercy reflects a caring heart, Pity shows compassion, Love embodies a divine form, and Peace signifies calmness.
The poet emphasises unity, urging readers to see the human form as sacred. No matter the religion—be it “heathen, Turk, or Jew”—God resides wherever these virtues exist. This poem celebrates the shared humanity that connects people and their prayers to the divine.
Summary of The Human Abstract by William Blake
The Human Abstract explores the darker side of human nature. Blake suggests that Pity and Mercy arise because of suffering and inequality. Peace comes from fear, but selfishness disrupts it, leading to cruelty. This cruelty creates traps and spreads deception.
The poem describes a sinister tree that grows from human flaws. Its roots lie in false humility, and its shade hides mystery. Creatures like caterpillars and flies thrive on it, and the Raven builds its nest there. Blake concludes that this tree of deceit is not found in nature but grows in the human mind.
These two poems are in Kaleidoscope for Class 12 Elective English. They explore morality by contrasting virtues and vices in humanity. They can also serve as an excellent NCERT solution for exploring Blake’s themes in poetry.
Poems by Blake Themes
Important Themes in The Divine Image by William Blake
Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love as Divine Virtues
In The Divine Image, Blake elevates Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love as sacred qualities. These virtues embody God’s essence, offering comfort and hope to humanity. People turn to them in times of pain and distress, praying for guidance and solace. Blake links these virtues to human emotions and actions, presenting them as bridges between the divine and mankind.The poem shows these attributes as both divine and human. It highlights their universal importance in connecting people to each other and to God.
God and Humanity as One
Blake presents the idea that God and humanity are deeply interconnected. Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love are not just divine but also human. Through this, the poem suggests that mankind reflects God’s image, as these virtues are inherent in human nature. The poem encourages readers to view every individual, regardless of faith or culture, as a manifestation of the divine. This theme promotes equality and compassion, breaking barriers of religion and nationality. Blake underscores the unity of all people under shared moral and spiritual values.
The Universal Nature of Prayer
The poem highlights how prayer unites people across all cultures and religions. Blake suggests that whenever people pray in times of need, they connect to the human form divine. This emphasises the shared nature of spirituality and morality, transcending religious differences. Blake’s use of “heathen, Turk, or Jew” reinforces the idea that God’s virtues are universal and accessible to all. The poem inspires readers to value and respect the shared humanity that binds people together through faith and hope.
Important Themes in The Human Abstract by William Blake
The Origin of Virtues in Human Flaws
Blake presents Pity and Mercy as products of suffering and inequality. These virtues, while noble, only exist because of human-created problems like poverty and pain. If there were no distress, there would be no need for Pity or Mercy. This paradox suggests that human virtues often arise from the very flaws they seek to address. Blake’s theme urges readers to reflect on how virtues and vices coexist, challenging the idea of absolute goodness.
Cruelty and Deception in Human Nature
In this poem, Blake explores how cruelty thrives in human actions. Selfish love and mutual fear give rise to traps of deceit. Cruelty carefully nurtures these traps, showing how vices often develop through deliberate actions. The poem’s imagery of snares and bait symbolises the calculated nature of human malice.Blake reveals the darker side of humanity. He urges readers to face their own capacity for harm and shows how cruelty can grow if ignored.
The Tree of Human Sinfulness
The poem describes a metaphorical tree that grows from human flaws. Its roots are false humility, its shade conceals mysteries, and its fruit is deceit. The tree thrives on the darker aspects of human nature, such as fear, selfishness, and cruelty. Creatures like caterpillars and flies, symbols of corruption, feed on it. The Raven, representing despair, nests in its shade. Blake’s imagery shows that this tree is a product of the human mind, symbolising how sin and deceit grow within.
The Limits of Nature in Explaining Human Evil
Blake contrasts the natural world with human nature, suggesting that the evils of humanity cannot be found in nature. The gods of earth and sea cannot find the tree of sin. It grows only in the human brain. This theme emphasises the unique complexity of human morality, where good and evil coexist. Blake places the source of sin in the human mind. He emphasizes that each person is responsible for nurturing or overcoming their darker tendencies.
Poems by Blake Line by Line Explanation
Line by Line Explanation of The Divine Image by William Blake
To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love / All pray in their distress:
When people are troubled, they pray to qualities like Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love for help.
And to these virtues of delight / Return their thankfulness:
After their prayers are answered, people thank these virtues for bringing joy and relief.
For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love / Is God our father dear:
Blake explains that these qualities are part of God, who is like a loving father to humanity.
And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love / Is Man, his child and care:
At the same time, these virtues are also part of humans, showing that God cares deeply for his children.
For Mercy has a human heart, / Pity a human face:
Mercy is like a kind human heart, and Pity is like a compassionate human face.
And Love, the human form divine, / And Peace, the human dress:
Love takes the shape of a perfect human, while Peace surrounds us like clothing.
Then every man, of every clime, / That prays in his distress:
Blake says that people everywhere, no matter where they live, pray to these virtues when they are suffering.
Prays to the human form divine, / Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace:
When people pray, they are also praying to these human-like qualities of God.
And all must love the human form, / In heathen, Turk, or Jew:
Blake urges everyone to respect and love people of all religions and backgrounds.
Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell / There God is dwelling too:
Wherever these virtues are found, God is present as well.
Line by Line Explanation of The Human Abstract by William Blake
Pity would be no more / If we did not make somebody Poor:
Pity only exists because some people are poor or suffering. Without poverty, there would be no need for Pity.
And Mercy no more could be / If all were as happy as we:
Mercy is needed because people face hardships. If everyone were happy, Mercy would not be necessary.
And mutual fear brings peace, / Till the selfish loves increase:
Peace often comes from people fearing each other, but this peace fades when selfishness grows.
Then Cruelty knits a snare, / And spreads his baits with care:
Cruelty begins to create traps and deceives people, like setting bait to catch someone.
He sits down with holy fears, / And waters the ground with tears:
Cruelty pretends to be righteous and uses tears to nurture its evil plans.
Then Humility takes its root / Underneath his foot:
False humility grows as part of this deceit, acting as a foundation for cruelty.
Soon spreads the dismal shade / Of Mystery over his head:
A dark and confusing mystery covers everything, hiding the truth and creating fear.
And the Caterpillar and Fly / Feed on the Mystery:
Corrupt and harmful forces, like caterpillars and flies, thrive in this environment of lies and confusion.
And it bears the fruit of Deceit, / Ruddy and sweet to eat:
The tree of lies grows fruit that looks tempting and sweet but is full of deceit.
And the Raven his nest has made / In its thickest shade:
The Raven, symbolising doom, makes its home in the darkest part of the tree.
The Gods of the earth and sea / Sought thro’ Nature to find this Tree:
The gods search everywhere in nature for this tree of sin and deceit.
But their search was all in vain: / There grows one in the Human Brain:
They cannot find it because the tree is not in nature—it grows in the human mind, symbolising human flaws and vices.
Words Meaning of Poems by Blake Kaleidoscope
| Word/Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mercy | Compassion or kindness shown to someone in need |
| Pity | Feeling sorry for someone who is suffering |
| Clime | A region or place |
| Heathen | A person who does not follow a particular religion (historically used for non-Christians) |
| Turk | A term referring to a Turkish person or, more generally, someone from the Ottoman Empire |
| Distress | Great pain, trouble, or difficulty |
| Divine | Related to God or something sacred |
| Ruddy | Reddish, often describing the colour of something (e.g., fruit) |
| Deceit | Dishonesty or trickery |
| Mystery | Something unknown or difficult to understand |
| Caterpillar | A small worm-like creature that turns into a butterfly or moth |
| Fly | A small insect with wings |
| Raven | A large black bird, often symbolising bad luck or death |
| Snare | A trap used to catch animals or people |
| Baits | Items used to lure or trick someone |
| Holy fears | Pretending to act out of religious or righteous concerns |
| Humility | A modest or low view of one’s importance; being humble |
| Dismal shade | A dark, depressing shadow |
| Fruit of Deceit | The result of dishonesty, often looking tempting but harmful |
| Sought | Looked for or tried to find |
| In vain | Without success or result |
| Tree of Human Sinfulness | A metaphorical tree representing human flaws and vices |
| Dwelling | A place where someone lives |
| Form divine | A perfect or godly appearance |
This list simplifies challenging expressions and makes both poems, Poems by Blake, easier to understand for young readers studying Kaleidoscope.
Poems by Blake Questions and Answers
Understanding the Poem
1. How are these two matched poems related to each other in content? How is the human being depicted in the Song of Innocence and how is he/she depicted in the Song of Experience? Do we find both aspects working in an average human being? (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
The two poems, The Divine Image from the Songs of Innocence and The Human Abstract from the Songs of Experience, offer contrasting views of human nature. In The Divine Image, humanity is depicted as pure, reflecting divine virtues like Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. It celebrates the interconnectedness of God and man. Conversely, The Human Abstract explores humanity’s darker side, where virtues like Pity and Mercy emerge from inequality and suffering. Cruelty and deceit grow in the human brain, showing moral corruption. Both aspects coexist in an average human being, highlighting the tension between innocence and experience.
2. How would you explain the lines:
“For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.”
Answer:
Blake suggests that divine qualities like Mercy, Pity, Love, and Peace are not abstract concepts but deeply human attributes. Mercy is linked to a caring heart, Pity to a compassionate face, Love to a divine human form, and Peace to the simplicity of human attire. These lines highlight how God’s virtues manifest in humanity, making people capable of reflecting divine qualities in their actions.
3. How do Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love get distorted in the human brain? (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
In The Human Abstract, Blake reveals how virtues are distorted by human flaws. Mercy arises because of inequality, and Pity stems from suffering. Selfishness disrupts Peace, while Cruelty grows by deception and fear. These distortions create a metaphorical tree of sinfulness, rooted in false humility and shrouded in mystery. This tree symbolises human-made corruption, showing how divine qualities are twisted by selfishness and deceit.
4. Blake’s poetry expresses one aspect of his multi-dimensional view of human experience—of mankind once whole and happy, now fallen into discord and tyranny, from which it must be rescued. Explain with reference to these two poems. (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
Blake’s The Divine Image and The Human Abstract show his view of human experience as a journey from innocence to corruption. In The Divine Image, mankind is shown as whole and harmonious, reflecting divine virtues like Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. Humanity is depicted as pure and godlike, connected to universal virtues. However, in The Human Abstract, this harmony is disrupted. Blake illustrates how human flaws—selfishness, fear, and cruelty—lead to discord and tyranny. These flaws create suffering, inequality, and deceit, symbolised by the metaphorical tree of sin growing in the human brain.
Blake believes that mankind can be rescued through self-awareness and the reawakening of divine qualities within. His poems encourage readers to acknowledge their potential for both innocence and corruption, urging them to strive for harmony. The contrast between the two poems reflects Blake’s belief in the coexistence of good and evil. It also suggests the possibility of redemption through divine virtues.
Poems by Blake Extra Questions and Answers
Understanding the Poem
1. Why does Blake associate the qualities of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love with both God and humans in The Divine Image? (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
Blake associates these qualities with God and humans to show the connection between the divine and humanity. He suggests that these virtues reflect God’s nature and are present in humans as part of their spiritual essence. By linking them to human emotions and actions, Blake implies that humans can embody divine qualities, promoting kindness and unity.
2. What is the metaphorical significance of the “Tree” in The Human Abstract?
Answer:
The Tree symbolises the darker aspects of human nature. Its roots are false humility, its shade conceals mystery, and its fruit represents deceit. The Tree grows in the human brain, reflecting how vices like selfishness and cruelty originate in human thought. Blake uses this metaphor to illustrate how moral corruption is nurtured by human flaws.
3. How does Blake portray the role of prayer in uniting people in The Divine Image? (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
Blake portrays prayer as a universal act that transcends boundaries of religion, culture, and nationality. He emphasises that when people pray to Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love, they connect to divine virtues present in all humanity. This idea fosters unity and compassion, suggesting that all individuals are part of a shared spiritual experience.
4. Explain the line: “The Gods of the earth and sea / Sought thro’ Nature to find this Tree.”
Answer:
Blake describes how the gods search for the Tree of sin in nature but fail to find it. This highlights that human flaws like deceit and cruelty are not natural phenomena but originate within the human mind. Blake contrasts nature’s purity with the corruption found in human thought, suggesting that evil is a uniquely human creation.
5. Compare the imagery used in The Divine Image and The Human Abstract. How do these contribute to the themes of the poems?
Answer:
In The Divine Image, Blake uses uplifting imagery, like the “human heart” and “human form divine,” to celebrate virtues and humanity’s connection to God. In contrast, The Human Abstract uses darker imagery, like the “Tree” and the “Raven,” to show moral corruption and deceit. This stark contrast enhances the themes of innocence versus experience, illustrating the duality of human nature.
Appreciation
6. Discuss how Blake uses personification in The Divine Image to convey his message. (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
Blake personifies Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love to make abstract virtues relatable and human. Mercy has a heart, Pity a face, Love a divine form, and Peace resembles human attire. This personification emphasises that these qualities are not distant ideals but can be found within every individual. By making them human-like, Blake bridges the gap between divine virtues and human experience, encouraging readers to embody these qualities in their lives. The use of personification reinforces the unity of God and humanity, making the poem’s spiritual message accessible.
7. Analyse the tone and mood of The Human Abstract. How does it reflect the poem’s central theme? (Poems by Blake)
Answer:
The tone of The Human Abstract is critical and reflective, while the mood is sombre and unsettling. Blake’s choice of words, like “Cruelty,” “Deceit,” and “Mystery,” creates an atmosphere of moral corruption. The imagery of snares, tears, and the Tree adds to the oppressive mood. This tone and mood reflect the central theme: the distortion of divine virtues by human flaws. Blake’s critical tone urges readers to confront their own moral shortcomings, while the dark mood underscores the consequences of unchecked selfishness and cruelty.
Understanding the Poem
8. What role does selfishness play in the distortion of Peace in The Human Abstract?
Answer:
Blake highlights that selfishness disrupts Peace by creating fear and mistrust. Initially, mutual fear brings harmony, but as selfish desires grow, they lead to division and conflict. This shows how self-interest erodes the foundation of true peace, replacing it with deceit and cruelty.
9. How does Blake emphasise the universality of virtues in The Divine Image?
Answer:
Blake underscores the universality of virtues by stating that people of every region and faith—be they “heathen, Turk, or Jew”—pray to Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. This suggests that these divine qualities transcend cultural and religious boundaries, uniting humanity under shared spiritual values.
10. Explain the symbolism of the “Caterpillar and Fly” in The Human Abstract.
Answer:
The “Caterpillar and Fly” symbolise parasitic forces that thrive on human flaws, such as cruelty and deceit. These creatures feed on the Tree of sin, representing how destructive behaviours flourish in a corrupt environment. Blake uses this imagery to highlight the harmful effects of moral decay.
11. How does Blake contrast the divine and the human in The Divine Image?
Answer:
Blake does not draw a strict divide between the divine and human. Instead, he merges them, showing that God’s virtues—Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love—are also present in humanity. This unity suggests that humans have the potential to embody divine qualities, fostering a hopeful and inclusive view of human nature.
12. What is the significance of the line “There grows one in the Human Brain” in The Human Abstract?
Answer:
This line signifies that the Tree of moral corruption grows within the human mind. It highlights that human flaws—like selfishness, cruelty, and deceit—are not external forces but arise from thoughts and intentions. Blake critiques the human tendency to nurture vices through fear and manipulation.
Appreciation
13. How does Blake explore the theme of duality in human nature through these poems?
Answer:
Blake explores duality by presenting contrasting perspectives in The Divine Image and The Human Abstract. The former celebrates human goodness and the divine connection through virtues like Mercy and Love. The latter reveals how these virtues are distorted by selfishness, fear, and deceit. This duality reflects the coexistence of innocence and experience, showing humanity’s potential for both good and evil. Blake encourages readers to recognise this inner conflict and strive for harmony by embracing divine qualities.
14. Discuss the use of contrast in The Divine Image and The Human Abstract.
Answer:
Blake uses contrast to highlight the opposing themes of innocence and experience. The Divine Image is optimistic, focusing on unity, purity, and divine connection, while The Human Abstract is dark and critical, exposing moral corruption and deceit. The former uses warm, uplifting imagery, and the latter employs sombre, foreboding symbols like the Tree, snares, and the Raven. This contrast reinforces Blake’s message about the complexity of human nature and the need to overcome moral decay by embracing divine virtues.
15. How does Blake’s depiction of God in The Divine Image reflect his vision of humanity?
Answer:
Blake portrays God as embodying virtues like Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love, which are also present in humans. This depiction reflects his belief that humanity is inherently divine and capable of spiritual greatness. By linking God’s nature to human attributes, Blake suggests that living virtuously allows individuals to realise their divine potential, promoting harmony and compassion.
16. What message does Blake convey about human responsibility in The Human Abstract?
Answer:
Blake conveys that humans are responsible for the vices and corruption in the world. The Tree of sin grows in the human brain, symbolising that flaws like cruelty, deceit, and selfishness come from human thoughts and actions. This puts the responsibility on individuals to recognise and overcome these flaws, promoting virtues like compassion and humility to restore harmony.
Summary of Poems by Blake in Hindi
The Divine Image Summary in Hindi
The Divine Image में विलियम ब्लेक ने मानवता और दिव्य गुणों के बीच की गहरी कड़ी को उजागर किया है। कवि ने दया (Mercy), सहानुभूति (Pity), शांति (Peace), और प्रेम (Love) जैसे गुणों को ईश्वर और मानव दोनों के बीच साझा किया हुआ बताया है। उनके अनुसार, जब लोग संकट में होते हैं, तो वे इन्हीं गुणों के लिए प्रार्थना करते हैं, और यही गुण सभी मानवों को एकजुट करते हैं। ब्लेक कहते हैं कि ये गुण न केवल ईश्वर का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं बल्कि मानवता की पहचान भी हैं।
यह कविता यह संदेश देती है कि दया का दिल मानवीय है, सहानुभूति का चेहरा मानवीय है, प्रेम एक दिव्य मानव रूप है, और शांति मानवीय वस्त्र है। यह मानव और ईश्वर के बीच की समानता को रेखांकित करता है। ब्लेक यह भी बताते हैं कि किसी भी धर्म, जाति या क्षेत्र के व्यक्ति में इन गुणों की मौजूदगी से यह साबित होता है कि ईश्वर वहीं मौजूद है।
The Human Abstract Summary in Hindi
The Human Abstract में विलियम ब्लेक ने मानव मन के भीतर पनपने वाले नैतिक पतन को दर्शाया है। यह कविता उन गुणों की विकृति को उजागर करती है, जो मूल रूप से ईश्वर और मानवता से जुड़े थे। ब्लेक कहते हैं कि दया (Pity) केवल तभी संभव है जब कोई व्यक्ति दुखी हो, और दया (Mercy) तभी होती है जब असमानता हो। शांति (Peace) तब तक बनी रहती है जब तक भय मौजूद रहता है, लेकिन स्वार्थ इसे समाप्त कर देता है।
कविता में एक “पेड़” का उल्लेख है, जो मानव मस्तिष्क में उगता है। यह पेड़ मानव पापों का प्रतीक है, जिसकी जड़ें झूठी विनम्रता (false humility) में हैं और इसके फल धोखे (deceit) के हैं। इस पेड़ पर कौवा (Raven) घोंसला बनाता है, जो मृत्यु और बुराई का प्रतीक है। ब्लेक यह संदेश देते हैं कि मानव की बुराइयां प्राकृतिक नहीं हैं बल्कि हमारे मन से उत्पन्न होती हैं। यह कविता हमें आत्मनिरीक्षण करने और अपने भीतर की बुराइयों को पहचानने का संदेश देती है।
Summary of Poems by Blake in Urdu
The Divine Image Summary in Urdu
The Divine Image میں ولیم بلیک نے انسانیت اور الٰہی صفات کے گہرے تعلق کو بیان کیا ہے۔ شاعر دُعا (Mercy)، رحم (Pity)، سکون (Peace)، اور محبت (Love) جیسی صفات کو خدا اور انسان کے مشترکہ اوصاف قرار دیتا ہے۔ بلیک کے مطابق، جب لوگ مشکلات میں ہوتے ہیں تو یہ انہی خوبیوں کے لیے دعا کرتے ہیں، اور یہی خوبیاں تمام انسانوں کو یکجا کرتی ہیں۔
بلیک یہ بتاتے ہیں کہ یہ اوصاف نہ صرف خدا کی عکاسی کرتے ہیں بلکہ انسانیت کا جوہر بھی ہیں۔ شاعر کہتا ہے کہ دُعا ایک انسانی دل کی مانند ہے، رحم ایک انسانی چہرے کی صورت رکھتا ہے، محبت ایک الٰہی انسانی شکل ہے، اور سکون انسانی لباس جیسا ہے۔ اس نظم کا پیغام یہ ہے کہ انسان میں موجود یہ صفات اس بات کی نشاندہی کرتی ہیں کہ جہاں یہ خوبیاں ہیں، وہاں خدا بھی موجود ہے۔ یہ نظم مذہب، نسل یا قومیت سے ماورا انسانیت کی یکجہتی کو اجاگر کرتی ہے۔
The Human Abstract Summary in Urdu
The Human Abstract میں ولیم بلیک نے انسانی ذہن میں پیدا ہونے والے اخلاقی زوال کو نمایاں کیا ہے۔ یہ نظم ان خوبیوں کی بگاڑ کو ظاہر کرتی ہے جو اصل میں خدا اور انسانیت سے وابستہ تھیں۔ بلیک کہتے ہیں کہ رحم (Pity) صرف اس وقت ظاہر ہوتا ہے جب کوئی غریب یا مظلوم ہو، اور دُعا (Mercy) تبھی ممکن ہے جب عدم مساوات ہو۔ سکون (Peace) خوف کے ذریعے آتا ہے، لیکن خود غرضی (Selfishness) اسے ختم کر دیتی ہے۔
اس نظم میں “درخت” کا ذکر ہے جو انسانی دماغ میں اگتا ہے۔ یہ درخت انسانی گناہوں کی علامت ہے، جس کی جڑیں جھوٹی عاجزی (False Humility) میں ہیں اور اس کے پھل دھوکہ دہی (Deceit) کے ہیں۔ درخت کے سائے میں کوا (Raven) اپنا گھونسلہ بناتا ہے، جو موت اور بدی کی علامت ہے۔ بلیک ہمیں یہ سمجھانے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں کہ انسانی برائیاں فطری نہیں بلکہ ہمارے اپنے خیالات اور اعمال کا نتیجہ ہیں۔ یہ نظم خود احتسابی اور اپنے اندرونی عیوب کو پہچاننے کی دعوت دیتی ہے۔
Poems by Blake Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. According to The Divine Image, what do people pray for in their distress?
a) Wealth and power
b) Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
c) Strength and courage
d) Wisdom and knowledge
Answer: b) Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love.
2. What is implied about human nature in The Divine Image?
a) It is inherently flawed.
b) It mirrors divine qualities.
c) It seeks worldly success.
d) It depends on fear for unity.
Answer: b) It mirrors divine qualities.
3. What is the main idea of The Divine Image?
a) God is separate from humanity.
b) Divine qualities are present in all humans.
c) Peace is achieved through fear.
d) Human virtues are an illusion.
Answer: b) Divine qualities are present in all humans.
4. In The Divine Image, what does the phrase “human form divine” suggest?
a) Humans are separate from the divine.
b) Humans embody divine qualities.
c) Humans are superior to divine beings.
d) Humans are inherently sinful.
Answer: b) Humans embody divine qualities.
5. How does Blake depict Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love in The Divine Image?
a) As separate entities that oppose each other.
b) As virtues connected to God and humanity.
c) As human weaknesses that need improvement.
d) As qualities that only belong to angels.
Answer: b) As virtues connected to God and humanity.
6. What does the line “And Peace, the human dress” mean in The Divine Image?
a) Peace is an external garment worn by humans.
b) Peace is a luxury only available to the wealthy.
c) Peace represents the divine nature of humans.
d) Peace is the final step in human evolution.
Answer: a) Peace is an external garment worn by humans.
7. How is The Divine Image different from The Human Abstract in terms of tone?
a) The Divine Image has a hopeful, uplifting tone, while The Human Abstract is dark and critical.
b) Both poems share an equally dark tone.
c) The Divine Image is pessimistic, while The Human Abstract is optimistic.
d) Both poems are neutral in tone.
Answer: a) The Divine Image has a hopeful, uplifting tone, while The Human Abstract is dark and critical.
8. What does the “Tree” symbolize in The Human Abstract?
a) Natural beauty
b) The human brain’s growth
c) The growth of virtues
d) The destructive nature of human flaws
Answer: d) The destructive nature of human flaws.
9. According to The Human Abstract, what is the effect of selfishness on Peace?
a) It strengthens Peace.
b) It creates more Peace.
c) It destroys Peace.
d) It makes Peace irrelevant.
Answer: c) It destroys Peace.
10. What does Blake say about fear in The Human Abstract?
a) Fear brings joy.
b) Fear creates peace through mutual understanding.
c) Fear is a tool for controlling people.
d) Fear causes eternal suffering.
Answer: b) Fear creates peace through mutual understanding.
11. How does Blake describe the “Caterpillar and Fly” in The Human Abstract?
a) As creatures that feed on divine qualities.
b) As symbols of nature’s beauty.
c) As symbols of parasitic corruption.
d) As harmless and beneficial insects.
Answer: c) As symbols of parasitic corruption.
12. What is the role of “humility” in The Human Abstract?
a) It promotes moral strength.
b) It is the root of corruption and deceit.
c) It leads to spiritual enlightenment.
d) It creates a sense of unity.
Answer: b) It is the root of corruption and deceit.
13. What does Blake imply by “And it bears the fruit of Deceit” in The Human Abstract?
a) Deceit is a natural consequence of evil.
b) Deceit leads to wisdom.
c) Deceit results from human virtues.
d) Deceit is the final stage of purity.
Answer: a) Deceit is a natural consequence of evil.
14. What is the main message of The Human Abstract?
a) Human goodness always prevails over evil.
b) Moral decay is a result of human thoughts and fears.
c) Nature is the source of human virtues.
d) Fear is a natural part of the human experience.
Answer: b) Moral decay is a result of human thoughts and fears.
15. In The Human Abstract, how is “the Raven” symbolically significant?
a) It represents death and deception.
b) It is a symbol of renewal and hope.
c) It represents wisdom and clarity.
d) It signifies the triumph of virtue.
Answer: a) It represents death and deception.
16. What is implied about human nature in The Human Abstract?
a) It is naturally virtuous and pure.
b) It is capable of both good and evil, depending on circumstances.
c) It is entirely good.
d) It is inherently corrupt and beyond redemption.
Answer: b) It is capable of both good and evil, depending on circumstances.
17. According to The Divine Image, how are the virtues of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love connected to God?
a) They are separate from God.
b) They are God’s true nature and reflect his essence.
c) They are not associated with God.
d) They are created by human actions.
Answer: b) They are God’s true nature and reflect his essence.
18. What does the phrase “In heathen, turk, or jew” in The Divine Image suggest?
a) God only listens to Christians.
b) People of all cultures and religions possess divine virtues.
c) Only certain cultures have access to God.
d) These people are excluded from divine love.
Answer: b) People of all cultures and religions possess divine virtues.
19. How does Blake use the “Tree” in The Human Abstract?
a) As a symbol of growth and prosperity.
b) As a metaphor for human wisdom.
c) As a symbol of human moral decay and sin.
d) As a source of divine grace.
Answer: c) As a symbol of human moral decay and sin.
20. What can be inferred about the author’s attitude towards human nature in both poems?
a) He believes human nature is purely corrupt.
b) He sees humanity as inherently good but capable of corruption.
c) He thinks humans are beyond redemption.
d) He believes humans are constantly in conflict with divine forces.
Answer: b) He sees humanity as inherently good but capable of corruption.
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).
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