Explain how the Songs of Experience show the contrary state of the human soul. (MEG 102) (SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND SONGS OF EXPERIENCE)

While the Songs of Innocence celebrate the purity and beauty of childhood, the Songs of Experience show the contrary state of the human soul. These poems focus on the darker aspects of human experience, such as oppression, corruption, and the loss of innocence. They depict a world that is cruel, unjust, and filled with suffering, and they often use harsh and powerful language to convey their message.

The Songs of Experience show the darker side of human experience by using images of corruption and decay. For example, in "The Sick Rose," a worm destroys a rose, symbolizing the corruption of love and beauty. In "London," Blake portrays a city that is full of suffering and misery, where people are oppressed and downtrodden. Similarly, "The Chimney Sweeper" shows the plight of young children who are forced to work in terrible conditions.

The Songs of Experience also explore the themes of alienation and disillusionment, as characters struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems cruel and indifferent. In "The Tyger," for example, the speaker confronts the terrifying power of nature and the mysteries of the universe, while "The Little Boy Lost" and "The Little Boy Found" depict a child searching for meaning and direction in a world that seems overwhelming and confusing.

Overall, the Songs of Experience show the contrary state of the human soul by depicting a world that is full of suffering, corruption, and darkness. They offer a powerful critique of society and the human condition, and they challenge readers to confront the harsh realities of life and to seek meaning and purpose in the face of adversity.