Comepare Contrast "The Tyger" VS "The Lamb" by William Blake.
The two poems that I will analyse in depth, "The Lamb", and "The Tyger" has many comparisons and contrasts between the two, although the same writer, William Blake, wrote them. He was born in London on 28, 1757 a period of time when enormous and rapid changes occurred in Europe, like the "Industrial", "Agricultural" and the "French" revolutions. These "changes" in his life reflects his background and also had an effect on his style of writing. I will be looking at the subjects and themes of the poem and also focus at how Blake uses imagery, structure and form to create effects.
The two poems "The Tyger" and "The Lamb" are based on the numerous events that happened in Blake's time. For an example, "The Tyger" is based on the "Industrial" and "French" revolutions. The French Revolutionists were known as the "tigerish multitude". While "The Lamb" is based on the "Agricultural Revolution", the lamb symbolises life, growth and birth. But in a deeper level, there is one another theme that applies for both of the poems. The main concern for both of the poems is the "nature of God". Undoubtedly, Blake admires the creator of the lamb. But when he moves onto the Tyger, Blake seems baffled as well as mystified. Although he admires the creature, he cannot understand how someone could create such an innocent creature and at the same time, create such a ferocious predator. Then Blake thinks, maybe if there are two different creators. But Blake wonders if, just maybe it is the same creator. The quote, "Did he who make the lamb, make thee?" shows his thoughts. There is no answer provided in the poem and it is left unsolved. But in truth, "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" is seen as a choice a man makes in his life. To go with the lamb means to choose God, to choose the path of righteousness and justice. To follow the Tyger is to choose the path of damnation and injustice. But you cannot have one without the other. Having both of them makes the world go around, and allow man to progress
The two poems "The Tyger" and "The Lamb" are based on the numerous events that happened in Blake's time. For an example, "The Tyger" is based on the "Industrial" and "French" revolutions. The French Revolutionists were known as the "tigerish multitude". While "The Lamb" is based on the "Agricultural Revolution", the lamb symbolises life, growth and birth. But in a deeper level, there is one another theme that applies for both of the poems. The main concern for both of the poems is the "nature of God". Undoubtedly, Blake admires the creator of the lamb. But when he moves onto the Tyger, Blake seems baffled as well as mystified. Although he admires the creature, he cannot understand how someone could create such an innocent creature and at the same time, create such a ferocious predator. Then Blake thinks, maybe if there are two different creators. But Blake wonders if, just maybe it is the same creator. The quote, "Did he who make the lamb, make thee?" shows his thoughts. There is no answer provided in the poem and it is left unsolved. But in truth, "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" is seen as a choice a man makes in his life. To go with the lamb means to choose God, to choose the path of righteousness and justice. To follow the Tyger is to choose the path of damnation and injustice. But you cannot have one without the other. Having both of them makes the world go around, and allow man to progress