A Reading Response to "William Blake and the world's body of science."

George H. Gilpin evaluates the life, paintings, poems and ideas of William Blake in his critical essay, "William Blake and the world's body of science." A large section of this literature was the analysis of Blake's "Book of Urizen." Gilpin discussed how Blake was mocking the bible. He duly noted how Blake was merely trying to entertain rather than inform. The satire was not to be taken seriously; although many grew a disliking towards the poet because of this piece. They accused him of being a Satanist and having a heart of fire. This article proves otherwise. Blake simply had an unfamiliar sense of humor that deemed evil by a large sum of people. I feel this article relates well with our blog. Gilpin worked hard to unravel the real Blake. He discovered Blake was passionate about exposing the truth about the decline of human compassion, "The plates and text of Urizen mock the abstraction of contemporary science and it's inhumane indifference to human suffering." Even today huge controversies erupt continuously in the medical field due to lives disposed as result of research. This essay also touches base on Blake as young man. Blake lived near a medical researcher named John Hunter. Hunter became notorious for his deathly experiences. Blake had quite a few confrontations with this "mad scientist." Blake even included some of Hunter's work for more mock plates. Many say that the relationship with Hunter was the beginning of Blake's hatred for science. Issac Newton, also, has been featured throughout the paintings. Newton doesn't not "see" the world around him, he is truly blind to beauty and nature. If you do not see nature, you do not see people. Therefore, giving Newton an antagonist persona.
      Gilpin's explanations intrigued me throughout the entire essay. He brought up facts about Blake that had been unheard of in my other research. I hadn't known Blake actually went to a school were medical students were being taught. To me, Blake's life was ridden with irony. It was inspirational to find out most of Blake's poems and paintings were based of true experiences and people that he had known. When I first started foraging through Blake's work I had the impression of him being a phony. His views on science, love and religion had such a obscure direction that it almost seemed as if they were conjured up from a dream or just some wild thought that raced through his head. Reading this article almost made fall in love with Blake. Gilpin idolized the humorous blasphemy that Blake presented so continuously. Blake had no concerns of censorship. His ideas and concepts created more controversy than most rap songs do today. Although I am unsure if Blake truly believes in God, it gives me joy knowing that someone so famous had no fears about redirecting from the flow of religion. Each and every day I feel judged and looked down upon simply because of my beliefs. I am an agnostic. My peers do not agree with me in the slightest. I have had death threats sent anonymously to me regarding my "religion." Reading this essay I am now considering to muster up the courage to distribute my thoughts and ideas to everyone. I have grown tired of ignoring questions due to my discomfort of the disappointment that follows my answers. Although I am a fan of Blake, I do not always agree with his "anti-science' campaign. Without science, humans would still be in primitive form. Caves, fire pits, fur pelts and giant clubs seem so grotesque as living conditions. Without the scientific findings of the "devil's," Blake would not be the philosophical man he grew to be. His main goal would be survival. There is no doubt that Blake held some gratitude in his heart, even if it was a minuscule amount. In conclusion, George Gilpin wrote a phenomenal article on William Blake. I, as a Junior in high school, comprehended the entire piece. He led me to discover how literature should not be taken for face value. Research the author, their life, their influences and other readers opinions before you jump to your own meaning. There is always a story behind the story.