The Romantic Movement and The Industrial Revolution
             Throughout history, it has been repeatedly proven that developments and progressions of a society are a result of a tremendous event; the Industrial Revolution is an ideal example of such an event. During the 1770's and all through the 1790's, the Industrial Revolution opened way for more urbanized and entirely altered way of life for the population of the Western world. And from the revolution, emerged a movement that broke many of the traditional forms and styles of literature.
             Romantic literature transpired at a time of a great deal of societal commotion and instability. Although the Revolution brought development to some aspects of society, many were still suffering. The hierarchy and classes of the society created conflict, and there was a great deal of economic anguish. Pollution and filth stained the streets of London due to the massive waste the factories dispensed.
             Poets; William Blake, William Wordsworth and Samuel L. Coleridge, who are considered the landmark figures of romantic poetry, responded to the revolution through their literary works. All were especially critical of, what they believed was, a materialistic and hypocritical society. Each poet created works that reflected the society around them and were considered 'rebels' of their time. The injustice and oppression they felt influenced many of their writings, and the disapproval and condemnation of the social order surrounding them is apparent throughout their poetry.
             William Blake's writings are prime examples of the affect the Industrial Revolution had on his literature. Without a doubt, Blake's Song of Innocence and Songs of Experience are his interpretations and expressions of the society at his time. Songs of Innocence, which provides the more light hearted, naive and ignorant view of society, was written before Songs of Experience, a series of poems with a harshe
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