Paratextual Transactions: Text and Off Text in William Blake&rsquo;s <em>Milton</em> and <em>Jerusalem</em></p>

Abstract

This essay focuses on the dynamics between text and off-text in Blake’s last prophetic books Milton and Jerusalem. Drawing from Genette’s notion of paratext, it discusses how word and image interact in the process of meaning production. As an “integrated work of art”, Blake’s plates call for an active reader, who is able to combine image (illuminations) and word (poetry/prose) within the prophetic and redemptive framework of apocalyptic literature.

Keywords

• William Blake
• Paratext
• word and image
• reader’s response
• closure