Recalcitrant Rebellion as ArtWilliam Blake was an English Romantic poet who lived from 1757 to 1827 during the American and French Revolutions. Although he lived during the Romantic Age and was clearly part of the movement, Blake was a modern thinker with a rebellious political spirit. He was the first to transform poetry and art into sociopolitical weapons to rebel against the establishment. His poetry exemplified many of the same topics discussed today. Although he was known as both a madman and a mystic, (Elliott) his poetry is relevant and radical. He took a brilliant approach to tackling the uncomfortable political and moral topics of his times and created unique artistic representations from them. His poetry recounts in symbolic allegory the negative effects of the French and American Revolutions, and his visual art portrays the violence and sadistic nature of slavery. Blake was undoubtedly one of the most doggedly anti-oppression and anti-establishment writers in the English canon. Blake had an uncanny ability to use his work to illustrate the unpleasant and often painful realities that surrounded him. His poetry consistently embodies an attitude of revolt against the abuse of class and power that appears driven by a unique brand of spirituality. His spiritual beliefs transcended the boundaries of religious elites loyal to the monarchy. “He was inspired by dissident religious ideas rooted in the thinking of the most radical opponents of the monarchy during the English Civil War” (EP Thompson). Concern with war and the devastating effects of the industrial revolution were evident in much of his work. One of Blake's most famous works is The Songs of Innocence and The Songs of Expe...... middle of paper...... transcending the material world and reaching what Blake sees as the true world of spirit. The interpretation hidden within the piece is a significant commentary on Blake's unconventional religious awareness. William Blake was a modern thinker with a recalcitrant political spirit. He used poetry and art as sociopolitical weapons, which were raised courageously against the establishment. These sociopolitical weapons, which began with him, are still used today in all kinds of artistic and political activities. Although known as a madman and a mystic, (Elliott) his art and poetry were driven by visions of radical change. Even today his work is relevant and profound. The brilliant approach he took with difficult political and moral topics created unique artistic representations that are as relevant today as they were when Blake first adopted their use.