THE GARDEN OF LOVE – William Blake I went to the Garden of Love, And saw what I never had seen: A Chapel was built in the midst, Where I used to play on the green - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2

In 'The Garden of Love,' William Blake critiques the oppressive role of the Church in society, emphasizing how it stifles personal spirituality and joy. Blake's diction reflects his disdain for institutionalized religion. Words like 'binding' convey a sense of restriction, suggesting the Church's role in limiting individual freedom and desires. This is especially evident as the speaker grapples with the disheartening transformation of a once vibrant 'green' into a graveyard.

The imagery of the 'Chapel' intruding upon the 'green' symbolizes the Church's invasive nature, disrupting the natural beauty and innocence associated with the garden. The stark contrast between the flourishing 'green' and the grim 'graves' highlights the loss of joy and vitality that occurs in the presence of this institutional power.

Finally, the tone of the poem oscillates between melancholy and defiance. The initial wonder of the garden shifts to a realization of the Church's corruptive influence, encapsulated in the line, 'Thou shalt not writ over the door.' This commandment signifies the suppression of one’s natural instincts and desires, which the Church enforces. Ultimately, Blake's critical view of the Church culminates in a powerful message about the need for personal freedom and the dangers of dogma.