The Angel, William Blake: Summary & Analysis

In "The Angel" by William Blake, the poet presents a reflective and melancholic exploration of the fleeting nature of youth, innocence, and the passage of time. Through the dream of a maiden queen guarded by an angel, Blake delves into themes of lost opportunities, the inevitability of aging, and the complex emotions associated with growing older. The Angel by William Blake I dreamt a dream! What can it mean? And that I was a maiden Queen Guarded by an Angel mild: Witless woe was ne’er beguiled! And I wept both night and day, And he wiped my tears away; And I wept both day and night, And hid from him my heart’s delight. So he took his wings, and fled; Then the morn blushed rosy red. I dried my tears, and armed my fears With ten-thousand shields and spears. Soon my Angel came again; I was armed, he came in vain; For the time of youth was fled, And grey hairs were on my head. Critical Analysis "The Angel" encapsulates a sense of nostalgia, loss, and the inevitable passa…