Both read the Bible day and night, But thou read'st black where I read white.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blake contrasts differing interpretations of scripture. He suggests that the same text can be read as darkness or light depending on the reader's perspective.
- In plain terms
- Different people read the same text in opposite ways.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that perspective shapes how you read texts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What determines your reading of texts?
- How might others see it differently?
Another view
Shared interpretations help maintain group cohesion.
More from William Blake
The vision of Christ that thou dost see Is my vision's greatest enemy.
Permalink to quote #149 This life's dim windows of the soul Distorts the heavens from pole to pole And leads you to believe a lie When you see with, not through, the eye.
Permalink to quote #151 England! awake! awake! awake! Jerusalem thy sister calls! Why wilt thou sleep the sleep of death And close her from thy ancient walls?
Permalink to quote #148
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