William Blake was a truly gifted artist and visionary in every sense. Not only was he a brilliant poet who addressed important social and political views during his time, Blake's writings hold value during our own times as well. In addition to his talents as a writer, Blake was an accomplished painter as well. He is well known for his illustrations of of the works of Dante, Milton, and the Bible, not to mention his …showed first 75 words of 1753 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1753 total…staggering. There is a common theme of repression of desires throughout his songs. This repression can be due to society and what is believed to be "proper behaviour", and also symbolic of the ruling class trying to control the working class. The theme of repression can still be just as easily understood today under the term "alienation", and Blake's songs ring every bit as true today as they did the day that they were composed.