An analysis and response to William Blake's Visions of the Daughters of Albion and a commentary involving the themes of various detrimental forms of repression

William Blake's Visions of the Daughters of Albion is a representation of the author's convictions concerning repression and physical and religious slavery. Oothoon, Blake's heroine, is subject to the rejection of two men who are unable to provide her with the pure, innocent love she so desires. Upon plucking Leutha's flower, Oothoon indicates that she is ready to experience a man. The first she encounters, Bromion, rapes her, then claims he has impregnated her, making …

…Theotormon, who enjoys self-inflicted pain through sexual repression, also derives pleasure in the pain others cause themselves. Oothoon proclaims an intrinsic form of love that is "Infancy, fearless, lustful, happy! nestling for delight In laps of pleasure; Innocence! honest, open, seeking The vigorous joys of morning light" (6.4-6). Oothoon's love is unable to prevail over either one of her repressors philosophies and she is condemned to an existence that for her, must slightly resemble hell.