Romantic Poets: Blake, Wordsworth, and Byron
Romantic Poets
William Blake
Early Life and Education: William Blake was born in Soho, London, where he spent most of his life. He received his early education at home from his mother. From a young age, Blake experienced visions of angels and ghostly monks, claiming to have seen and conversed with the angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and various historical figures. At the age of 14, he began a seven-year apprenticeship with the engraver James Basire. Following studies at the Royal Academy School, Blake started producing watercolors and engraving illustrations for magazines.
Marriage and Artistic Collaboration: In 1783, he married Catherine Boucher, whom he taught to draw, paint, and operate a printing press to assist him in his work.
Poetic Works: Blake began writing poetry at the age of 12. His first collection, Poetical Sketches, was published in 1783, followed by Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. His most famous poem, “The Tyger,” is part of Songs of Experience.
Later Life and Struggles: In 1774, Blake, along with his wife and younger brother Robert, opened a print shop. However, the venture failed after Robert’s death, an event that deeply affected Blake, causing him to sleep for three days and nights. In 1800, he was commissioned by the wealthy poet and patron William Hayley to illustrate his writings. Blake’s final years were marked by obscurity and disagreements, even with some of his supportive friends. His later works include drawings and engravings for Dante’s Divine Comedy and 21 illustrations for the Book of Job.
Legacy: Blake never escaped poverty, largely due to his inability to compete with faster engravers and the expense of his invention that allowed him to design illustrations and print words simultaneously. He died on August 12, 1827, and was buried in a common grave at the Dissenter’s burial ground in Bunhill Fields, alongside his parents.
William Wordsworth
Early Life and Loss: William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth. He experienced the loss of his mother at the age of eight and his father five years later. These domestic difficulties led to his separation from his beloved sister Dorothy, who played a significant role in his life. Her thoughts and impressions served as a valuable source of inspiration for her brother’s poetry.
George Gordon Byron
Early Life and Inheritance: George Gordon Noel Byron was born on January 22, 1788, in London. He spent his childhood in Scotland with his mother. At the age of 10, he inherited the title of Lord Byron from his uncle and returned to England.
Literary Career and Travels: In 1806, he published his first volume of poems, Fugitive Pieces, which he later withdrew due to objections from Reverend John Beecher to some of the poems. His travels to Spain, Malta, and Greece (1809-1810) inspired his romantic spirit, leading him to write many notable poems during his voyages.
Marriage and Relationships: He married Anne Isabella Milbanke in 1815, but the marriage was short-lived due to his numerous love affairs.
Literary Legacy: Byron is considered one of the most renowned English Romantic poets. He was also a satirist, and his poetry captivated the imagination of Europe. His major works include Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage (1812-1818) and Don Juan (1819-1824).
Death: He died on April 19, 1824, in Greece.