Auguries of Innocence

William Blake

29 pages 58-minute read

William Blake

Auguries of Innocence

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1863

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The prophetic voice of the poem delivers a series of aphorisms and visions similar to a religious sermon. He holds strong mystical beliefs, rejecting conventional organized religion in favor of a direct, imaginative connection with the divine. He acts as an urgent messenger, warning humanity about the severe spiritual and social consequences of cruelty to animals and the poor.

Key Relationships

Devoted to God

Opponent of The Doubter

Spiritual defender of The Child

Observer of The Caterpillar

The divine presence in the universe embodies ultimate justice and truth. Rather than remaining distant, he exists within all creation and will eventually deliver the final verdict to all souls on Judgment Day. To unbelievers, he appears only as a ray of light, but to the faithful, he displays a true human form.

Key Relationships

Worshipped by The Speaker

Ultimate judge of The Doubter

Spiritually connected to The Child

An archetypal antagonist defined by excessive rationalism and a complete lack of spiritual vision. The doubter values only material reality and scientific fact, rejecting the imaginative faith of the innocent. By refusing to believe in a higher spiritual dimension, they condemn themselves to an endless night of ignorance.

Key Relationships

Criticized by The Speaker

Mocker of The Child

Judged by God

Supporting Characters

A symbolic figure embodying the uncorrupted state of humanity. The child possesses an innate capacity for imagination and faith, finding entire universes in everyday playthings. Their innocence frequently attracts mockery or abuse from the adult world, which subsequently triggers cosmic retribution.

Key Relationships

Defended by The Speaker

Mocked by The Doubter

Created by Females Bright

A small insect that acts as a wise, natural admonisher. It speaks to human beings, urging them not to repeat the foundational mistakes of humanity by choosing harsh experience over innocence.

Key Relationships

Observed by The Speaker

References the grief of Eve

Benevolent, goddess-like figures similar to the Graces of Greek mythology. They perform the miraculous task of turning human tears of sorrow and compassion into innocent babies.

Key Relationships

Creator of The Child

The Biblical mother of humanity. She serves as a warning against the original loss of innocence that occurred when early humans chose the fruit of knowledge and experience over simple faith.

Key Relationships

Referenced by The Caterpillar