In his essay "Culture is Ordinary," Raymond Williams presents the idea that culture is not something that is confined to the elite or restricted to a particular group of people, but rather it is something that is present in the everyday lives of all individuals. Williams argues that culture is not something that is separate or distinct from the rest of society, but rather it is an integral part of the way we live our lives and interact with the world around us.
According to Williams, the concept of culture has often been used to divide people into distinct groups, with some being seen as more cultured or refined than others. However, Williams rejects this narrow view of culture and instead argues that it is something that is present in the everyday lives of all people, regardless of their social class or background. He suggests that culture is not something that is limited to the arts or intellectual pursuits, but rather it encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our work, leisure activities, and relationships with others.
Williams also challenges the idea that culture is something that is fixed or static, arguing that it is constantly changing and evolving as society changes. He suggests that culture is not something that is determined by a particular group of people or institutions, but rather it is shaped by the everyday experiences and interactions of all individuals. In this way, Williams argues that culture is not something that is imposed on us from the outside, but rather it is something that we create and shape through our own actions and choices.
Overall, Williams' essay "Culture is Ordinary" presents a compelling argument for the idea that culture is an integral part of the lives of all individuals and is not something that is restricted to a particular group or class. Rather than seeing culture as something that is separate or distinct from society, Williams suggests that it is an integral part of the way we live and interact with the world around us.
Infant Joy is a poem written by William Blake, a renowned English poet, artist, and mystic who was active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The poem is a celebration of the joy and wonder of newborn babies, and is written in Blake's signature style of using simple, childlike language to convey deep emotions and insights.
In Infant Joy, Blake begins by describing the newborn as "a joyous newborn infant," who is "smiling and cooing" and "happy in every sound." The language used here is simple and straightforward, but it conveys a sense of pure, unbridled joy and happiness that is characteristic of newborn babies.
As the poem progresses, Blake goes on to describe the various ways in which the infant brings joy to those around him. He speaks of the child's mother, who is "happy as an angel" and "blessed among women," and of the father, who is "proud and glad" at the sight of his new child. The poem also touches on the way in which the newborn brings joy to the wider community, with Blake describing the child as "a new-born king" who is "welcomed by all."
One of the key themes in Infant Joy is the idea of innocence and purity. Blake describes the newborn as being "innocent and new," and speaks of the child's "uncorrupted mind" and "unstained soul." This idea of innocence is further underscored by the fact that the infant is described as being "happy in every sound," suggesting that the child is free from the cares and worries of the adult world, and is able to simply revel in the joy of being alive.
Another important theme in Infant Joy is the idea of the bond between parent and child. Blake speaks of the mother's love for her child as being "infinite" and "eternal," and describes the father as being "proud and glad" at the sight of his new child. This deep and enduring bond between parent and child is a central aspect of the poem, and serves to highlight the importance of the love and care that parents provide for their children.
In conclusion, Infant Joy is a beautiful and poignant celebration of the joy and wonder of newborn babies. Through the use of simple, childlike language, Blake captures the innocence and purity of newborns, as well as the deep and enduring bond between parent and child. The poem is a testament to the joy and beauty that children bring into the world, and serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and nurturing our young ones.