NOW THE SNEAKING SERPENT WALKS: DIABOLIC AS A CREATION FORCE IN THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND HELL, BY WILLIAM BLAKE

Abstract In The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790-1793), William Blake traces a flying route through the Universe. His muse, the “sneaking serpent”, supports the concept that ‘diabolic’ is not a synonym of ‘evil’ – nevertheless, it is an active springing of Energy, as, according to the poet, every existence is holy. This study understands the prophetic writing of a trip to the mystery as a way the poetic voice finds to stand up against Reason (Good), empowering himself in the Energy of Evil (or of Hell). Thereupon, it was adopted the idea of ‘devilish’ as a vital force, avoid...