The Lamb, The Tyger - William Blake

Contextual Questions

Annotate the following lines in the given pattern: 

a. Identify the lesson and name the writer of the given lines.

b. Discuss the context of the lines and appreciate them critically in about 75 words. 

1. He is called by thy name, 

     For He calls himself a Lamb

Context: These lines taken from the poem The Lamb written by William Blake in the poem  collection Songs of Innocence.

Explanation: 

This line refers to Jesus Christ, who is often called the Lamb of God. Blake uses this gentle image to show innocence, kindness, and purity. The lamb becomes a symbol of both creation and the Creator. The poet links the child, the lamb, and Christ, showing their shared innocence and divinity. 

Critical Applreciation:

Through simple language and soft rhythm, Blake expresses his belief that God is loving and gentle, like a lamb—an idea central to the Songs of Innocence.

2. Little Lamb, who made thee?

     Dost thou know who made thee?

Context: 

These lines taken from the poem The Lamb written by William Blake in the poem  collection Songs of Innocence.

Explanation:

This line is a childlike question filled with wonder. It opens the poem with curiosity about the lamb’s origin. Blake uses repetition and a soft tone to suggest innocence and spiritual seeking. The question is simple, but it carries deep meaning—it reflects the human desire to understand God and creation. The child speaker sees the world as gentle and blessed. 

Critical Applreciation: 

Through this line the poet encourages readers to think about God as a caring creator who lovingly made all things.

3. What immortal hand or eye,

     Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

Context: 

These lines taken from the poem The Tyger written by William Blake in the poem  collection Songs of Innocence.

Explanation:

This powerful line asks who could have created the tiger, a creature of beauty and terror. Blake’s use of “immortal hand or eye” suggests a god-like creator with great power. The word “fearful symmetry” reflects the tiger’s balance of grace and danger. The line contrasts with the gentle lamb from Blake’s earlier poem, showing a shift from innocence to experience. 

Critical Applreciation:

Through the rhythm and strong sounds the poet creates tension, making readers feel the awe and mystery of creation.

4. Did he smile his work to see?

    Did he who made the lamb make thee?

Context: These lines taken from the poem The Tyger written by William Blake in the poem  collection Songs of Innocence.

Explanation:

This line raises a deep question: Can the same God who made the innocent lamb also create the fierce tiger? The poet wonders if the Creator is pleased with both good and evil, gentleness and strength. Blake uses this contrast to explore the complexity of God and the world. The line suggests that creation includes both innocence and experience, beauty and terror. It invites the reader to reflect on the nature of divine power and purpose.

Critical Applreciation:

Through rich symbolism and striking contrasts, Blake compels us to reflect on the mysteries of the world.

Question And Answers 

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 

1. Compare and contrast the key qualities portrayed in 'The Lamb' and 'The Tyger'. How does Blake use these qualities to express their theme of duality in creation?

In “The Lamb”, Blake shows gentle and kind qualities. The lamb is soft, innocent, and peaceful. It represents childhood, goodness, and God's loving side. The tone is calm and sweet, like a child asking and answering a question with faith.

In “The Tyger”, the tiger is strong, fiery, and dangerous. It stands for power, mystery, and fear. The poem has a darker, serious tone. Blake uses sharp sounds and strong words to show strength and awe.

By showing both the lamb and the tiger, Blake presents the theme of duality in creation—how both innocence and strength come from the same Creator. He suggests that life includes both peace and danger, soft and strong, light and dark. Blake wants us to think deeply about how the same God can create such different beings. This contrast helps us understand the full mystery and power of creation

2. In both 'The Lamb' and 'The Tyger', Blake explores the mysteries of creation. How does he use contrasting imagery to suggest that creation encompasses both beauty and terror?

William Blake uses strong imagery in both poems to show the mystery of how different things are created by the same God. In “The Lamb”, he uses gentle images like “meek,” “mild,” and “soft wool,” which show beauty, peace, and innocence. The lamb becomes a symbol of purity and God's kindness, especially through the image of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

In contrast, in “The Tyger”, Blake uses fiery and fearful images such as “burning bright,” “fire of thine eyes,” and “fearful symmetry.” These words create a picture of something powerful and dangerous. The tiger represents the terrifying beauty of creation—something that is not evil, but mysterious and hard to understand.

By using opposite images in these two poems, Blake shows that creation is not just about goodness or softness. It also includes power, strength, and danger. Both beauty and terror are part of the world.