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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker mocks a false deity who enjoys cruelty and punishment.
In plain terms
A fake god is shown celebrating violence and torture.
What can you take from it?
Powerful figures who enjoy cruelty may be unworthy of worship.

Where it applies

  • critiquing authority
  • analyzing religious figures

Putting it to work

  • question authoritarian cruelty

Questions to consider

  • What does the love of punishment say about power?

Another view

The satire relies on specific cultural context that may be lost.

More from William Blake

  1. If you trap the moment before it's ripe, The tears of repentance you'll certainly wipe; But if once you let the ripe moment go You can never wipe off the tears…

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  2. He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sunrise.

    Permalink to quote #92
  3. Abstinence sows sand all over The ruddy limbs and flaming hair, But desire gratified Plants fruits of life and beauty there.

    Permalink to quote #89

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