Abstract
Opsomming Drawing principally from Mental Fight and Jerusalem, this article explores the ways in which both Ben Okri and William Blake prophesy the redemption of humanity through the power of words and the participation of all people in a new “dream” by means of which a more humane civilisation may be attained. It explores the significance of some of Blake's central symbols in relation to his vision of man's Fall and Redemption and how closely the poetry and prose of Ben Okri echo Blake's themes and motifs. By entitling one of his anthologies of poetry Mental Fight, Ben Okri succinctly acknowledges the Romantic poet William Blake as a source of inspiration. These two simple words, to anyone familiar with Blake's poetry, would immediately recall his impassioned declaration in Milton: I will not cease from Mental Fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England's green & pleasant land. (Milton, 1804-1808 Preface ll. 13-16, K 481)
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