The
Fly
By
William Blake
Little Fly,
Thy summer's play
My thoughtless hand
Has brushed away.
Am not I
A fly like thee?
Or art not thou
A man like me?
For I dance
And drink, and sing,
Till some blind hand
Shall brush my wing.
If thought is life
And strength and breath
And the want
Of thought is death;
Then am I
A happy fly,
If I live,
Or if I die.
The poem was published in William Blake’s collection of poems “Songs of
Experience” in 1794. The speaker of the poem draws a comparison between his
life and that of a fly. He says that their lives are basically the same as both
live for a short time and end in oblivion. The poem uses the metaphor of a fly
to explore themes of mortality, the fragility of life and the existential
connection between humans and other living creatures.
First Stanza
In the first stanza, Blake addresses a fly, acknowledging that his careless
action has ended its life. The “summer’s play” refers to the fly’s existence,
filled with activity and life during the warm summer months. By saying “My
thoughtless hand/Has brush’d away,” Blake admits that his action was
unintentional and thoughtless, highlighting the fragility of the fly’s life.
Second Stanza
Here, Blake questions the difference between humans and flies. He
suggests that in the grand scheme of life, humans and flies are not so different.
By drawing this parallel, Blake emphasizes the commonality of all living
beings, pointing out that both humans and flies are subject to the same fate
and fragility.
Third Sanza
In this stanza, Blake likens human life to the carefree existence of the
fly. The activities of dancing, drinking, and singing symbolize the joyful and
unaware moments in life. The “blind hand” represents the arbitrary nature of
death, which can come unexpectedly and without reason, just as it did for the
fly.
Fourth Stanza
Blake contemplates the nature of life and death. He suggests that if
life is defined by thought, strength, and breath, then the absence of thought
equates to death. This stanza explores the philosophical idea that consciousness
and thought are what give life meaning and vitality.
Fifth Stanza
In the final stanza, Blake concludes that understanding and accepting
the transient nature of life can lead to a form of happiness. Whether he lives
or dies, he finds peace in the knowledge that life, in its simplicity and
brevity, can still be fulfilling. By equating himself to a “happy fly,” Blake
embraces the natural cycle of life and death, suggesting that acceptance brings
contentment.
Conclusion
“The Fly” delves into existential themes, using the simple interaction
between a human and a fly to reflect on deeper philosophical question. Blake’s
use of direct and straightforward language makes the poem accessible, while the
underlying question it raises about life, death, and the nature of existence
provide depth and complexity. The poem encourages readers to reflect on their
own lives and the often-arbitrary nature of fate, prompting a meditation on the
interconnectedness of all living things and the acceptance of life’s impermanence.
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