One of Blake's key speakers in this poem is a clod of clay. This clod of clay symbolizes people that may be less fortunate and need to work hard for a living, which is shown in line 6 "Trodden with the cattle's feet," Blake shows that these people understand their roles in life and still remain optimistic. While the pebble in a brook represents those who live more comfortably, but has a pessimistic attitude and view on life. The people that are represented by the clod of clay appreciate love and see it as a beautiful and special gift that improves life shown in line 4 "And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair." On the other hand, those who are represented by the pebble view love as an open window for more hurt and more despair in line 11 "And builds a Hell n Heaven's despite".
In this poem, Blake uses phrases to portray his view on love through the clod of clay. In lines 1-5 Blake states his view of what love should be "Love seeketh not Itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair." Meaning that regardless of all the terrible things that occurs in the world love endures and can overcome all obstacles. Blake also expresses that love is not for self - gratification, but to please another, the one they love. In line 3 Blake says, "for another gives its ease." meaning that one will give up the simplicity of taking care of oneself and take up the responsibility of caring for the one they love.
In contrast, with the phrases he uses and through the pebble Blake reveals on how the concept of love is perverted in lines