Final answer:
William Blake's 'two contrary states of the human soul' refer to the contrast between the innocent and pure perspective of 'Songs of Innocence' and the more mature and sometimes cynical outlook in 'Songs of Experience.'
Step-by-step explanation:
William Blake's 'two contrary states of the human soul' can be described as the innocent and pure perspective contrasted with a more experienced and sometimes cynical outlook. This thematic dichotomy is explored in his collections of poetry, 'Songs of Innocence' and 'Songs of Experience.' The 'Songs of Innocence' are often associated with joy, purity, and the untainted perspective of a child, while the 'Songs of Experience' present a more mature reflection on the complexities and challenges of life. Blake presents these two states as inherent parts of the human soul, suggesting that our souls encompass these dual aspects and that they are shaped by our experiences and interactions with societal structures.