The Divine Image
I. Answer these questions in one or two words.
1. When do people pray to Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love?
Ans: In distress (or in times of trouble).
2. To whom do people return their thankfulness?
Ans: To the virtues of delight.
3. Who is God for us?
Ans: Our Father dear.
4. Which virtue has a human face?
Ans: Pity.
5. Who is seen as God’s child and care?
Ans: Man.
II. Answer these questions in a few words.
1. What do people do in distress?
Ans: In times of distress, people pray to the virtues of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love, seeking comfort and relief from their suffering.
2. What does the term ‘virtues of delight’ refer to?
Ans: The term “virtues of delight” refers to the four noble qualities—Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love—which bring happiness, comfort, and harmony to human life.
3. Name the different human forms represented by ‘virtues of delight’.
Ans: The virtues appear in human forms such as Mercy with a compassionate heart, Pity with a human face, Peace in human dress, and Love as the divine human form.
4. What kind of man prays to the ‘human form divine’?
Ans: Any person who is kind, compassionate, and loving prays to and respects the human form divine.
5. Where does God dwell?
Ans: According to the poet, God dwells where Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love exist, especially in the human heart.
III. Answer these questions briefly.
1. What human form must all men love?
Ans: All people should love the human form divine, because it represents the presence of God within human beings. The poet believes that every person reflects divine qualities and therefore deserves love and respect.
2. How do the qualities of Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love embody both God and Man?
Ans: Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love are qualities that belong both to God and to human beings. These virtues show the divine nature present within humans. When people practice kindness, compassion, and love, they reflect the image of God in their actions.
3. What is the significance of the expression ‘In heathen, Turk, or Jew’?
Ans: The expression “In heathen, Turk, or Jew” emphasizes that all human beings, regardless of religion, race, or culture, possess the divine qualities of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. Blake highlights the idea of universal brotherhood and equality among all people.
IV. Answer these questions in detail.
1. Bring out the central idea of the poem ‘The Divine Image’.
Ans: The central idea of the poem “The Divine Image” is that the divine qualities of Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love exist both in God and in human beings. These virtues represent the true nature of humanity and connect people with the divine.
According to the poet, people pray to these virtues in times of distress and express gratitude to them during moments of happiness. Blake suggests that God is reflected in these noble qualities and that humans also possess them. Therefore, every human being carries a part of the divine within them.
The poem also emphasizes the idea of universal love and equality. Blake argues that all people, regardless of religion or background, share the same divine qualities. Thus, the poem encourages compassion, kindness, and respect for all humanity.
2. How does the poem illustrate the Biblical idea “God created man in his own image”?
Ans: The poem reflects the Biblical idea that God created man in His own image by showing that humans possess divine qualities such as Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love. These virtues are attributes of God, but they are also found in human beings.
Blake suggests that when people express kindness, compassion, and love, they are reflecting the divine image within themselves. This means that the nature of God can be seen through human actions and behavior.
By presenting these virtues as both divine and human, the poet shows that there is a close connection between God and humanity. Therefore, every person deserves love and respect because each human being reflects the image of God.