The Fly

By William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and visionary, whose work combines profound spiritual themes with intense, often mystical imagery. Blake’s unique style blends poetry and visual art, making him a pioneer figure in Romantic literature and art. His work, though underappreciated in his lifetime, is now celebrated for its originality and depth. 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.

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.

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 brushed 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 Stanza

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 questions. 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 provides 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.