"The Garden of Love" is a poem by William Blake that explores themes of love, innocence, and the constraints imposed by society. The speaker reflects on a garden that once symbolized joy and freedom but has become a place of sorrow and repression. The imagery of the garden contrasts the natural beauty of love with the harsh realities of societal expectations.
In the poem, the speaker encounters a chapel in the garden, representing organized religion and its restrictive influence. The once vibrant garden is now filled with graves, symbolizing lost innocence and the suppression of genuine love. Blake critiques the way societal norms can stifle personal expression and emotional fulfillment.