England! awake! awake! awake! Jerusalem thy sister calls! Why wilt thou sleep the sleep of death And close her from thy ancient walls?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blake urges England to awaken from spiritual and moral stagnation. He personifies Jerusalem as a sister calling for renewal and connection to the nation's heritage.
- In plain terms
- England needs to wake up from its spiritual sleep and reconnect.
- What can you take from it?
- Awaken from complacency to reconnect with higher values.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is keeping you asleep?
- How will you answer the call?
Another view
Rest and inaction can sometimes be necessary for recovery.
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