Blake's poem refers to the possibility that Jesus visited England, and built a new Jerusalem somewhere near Glastonbury. Blake doesn't state anything as fact, but asks the question "and did those feet in ancient times...etc".
In my opinion, Richard Ashcroft is asking, what would happen, if jesus came again in modern times? He's saying that our modern affliction is apathy. Choosing a life of bland consumerism over real emotion or belief in anything. Our addiction is to things we don't need, usually at the expense of others living in poverty. If jesus came again today, he'd be wearing trainers made in a sweatshop in China and shopping in malls. I think the comparrison between "dark satanic mills" and "bright prosaic malls" is brilliant.
I'm not sure if Ashcroft is saying anything about religion, or just about our modern dilemma. As an atheist myself I certainly still find it powerful. Because real emotion is often painful, unpleasant and loud. Whereas the things we're told to consume are supposed to be easy and pleasant and enticing
KMP is the only person I really agree with.
Blake's poem refers to the possibility that Jesus visited England, and built a new Jerusalem somewhere near Glastonbury. Blake doesn't state anything as fact, but asks the question "and did those feet in ancient times...etc".
In my opinion, Richard Ashcroft is asking, what would happen, if jesus came again in modern times? He's saying that our modern affliction is apathy. Choosing a life of bland consumerism over real emotion or belief in anything. Our addiction is to things we don't need, usually at the expense of others living in poverty. If jesus came again today, he'd be wearing trainers made in a sweatshop in China and shopping in malls. I think the comparrison between "dark satanic mills" and "bright prosaic malls" is brilliant.
I'm not sure if Ashcroft is saying anything about religion, or just about our modern dilemma. As an atheist myself I certainly still find it powerful. Because real emotion is often painful, unpleasant and loud. Whereas the things we're told to consume are supposed to be easy and pleasant and enticing