LE3 .A278 1979

1979

Sharma, Govind

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

English

English & Theatre Studies

William Blake's uncompleted poem, The Everlasting Gospel, is composed of several short fragments in his notebook. The poem is difficult to interpret without a tradition in which to work; such a tradition can be found in the teachings of the twelfth-century Franciscan Zealot, Joachim of Flora. His teaching of three ages, of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, can be traced to Blake's day, although the tradition often changes to suit the particular characteristics of its generation. The poem itself is obviously of an antinomian character, as Blake suggests that Christ neither adhered nor professed to adhere to the moral law of the Mosaic code, particularly as it was taught by the scribes and Pharisees. However, this is not sufficient to explain the meaning of some passages, where Jesus brings good and evil to a complete end. Only in the light of the tradition of Joachim can such passages be understood. The tradition also helps explain some of Blake's attitudes toward the religion and the morals of his day, and gives us insight into other works of Blake, including in particular the similar The Marriag e of Heaven and Hell.

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