.. / But The Terrible Thunders Tore / My Virgin Mantle In Twain (blake 1988

.. / But the terrible thunders tore / My virgin mantle in twain (Blake 1988 1-8).
This small introduction is followed by a large prosaic poem in a free verse that consists of more than two hundred lines, where the poet uncovers an inner self of the speaker. Through such a fictitious self of Oothoon, Blake expresses his own ambiguous self and the impact of society on a person's identity. Thus, Oothoon is portrayed as a symbol of England's soul that strives for freedom and love, but who is unable to find them in the patriarchal world that is obsessed with strict moral values and Christian dogmas. Structurally, Visions of the Daughters of Albion is divided into three principal parts. In the first part Blake describes Oothoon's abuse, her rejection by Theotormon and her purification by the eagles. In the second part the principal characters are engaged in the argument, during which every speaker expresses his/her own opinion on many vitally important issues. In particular, Oothoon claims that it is natural for a living being to follow his/her natural desires, proving that her abuse does not make her obscene. Theotormon rejects this vision and reveals his inability to accept her, while Bromion points at the necessity to perceive the reality, whatever cruel it is. In the third part Oothoon rises against any restrictions and moral laws that deprive a person of sexual pleasure and love, criticising both god Urizen that controls natural emotions of people and the institute of marriage that transforms women into slaves.
Thus, Blake's Romantic vision reflects his support for female freedom in the patriarchal world and reveals the images that are inseparable from nature. The characters of Visions of the Daughters of Albion and their feelings are portrayed through various natural elements, reflecting three different psychological states of mind. However, Blake reveals that, despite their differences, Oothoon, Theotormon and Bromion are mentally destroyed by the existing system that deprives them of their identities. Applying to the dialogues among the characters, Blake investigates the extent of this destruction and presents different sides of the discussed social issues. According to David Erdman (1954), Superficially the Visions appears to be a debate on free love with passing allusions to the rights of man, of women, and of beasts [but it also reveals] the frustrated lover as analogous to the wavering abolitionist who cannot bring himself openly to condemn slavery although he deplores the trade (p.211). However, the dialogues in the poem Visions of the Daughters of Albion are also introduced by William Blake to criticise the lack of real actions in regard to such important aspects as oppression and slavery.