Echoing Green(ery)

For some reason, from the very beginning I've been finding the repetition of the tree designs in Blake's illustrations. Especially the intertwined trees or vines. In almost every illumination, there was at least one twisted branch, trunk, or twig. I think it's fairly obvious that the twisted trees are an a attempt to convey the idea of innocence vs. experience or good vs. evil, and that such conflicting ideas could be so closely linked. I also found it interesting that, as was mentioned in class, the trees represent a connection to the Earth as well as reaching up for Heaven. I think that this accurately conveys Blake's religious beliefs. We learned that he followed the Bible, but was wary of organized religion. The idea of being rooted to Earth yet yearning for Heaven would accurately describe the trials of the faithful: being a part of the earthly world and yet longing Heaven.