Question

Compare the two representations of God as a creator mentioned in “The Lamb” and “The Tyger.” Find at least three words or phrases from each poem to support your opinion.

Answer 1

Both of William Blake's poems "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" deal with the concept God as a creator. In "The Lamb," Blake describes a kindly creator who loves all his creatures, especially children. The poet says God himself is a child. "The Lamb" also refers explicitly to the Christian god. Through the use of words such as lamb, which is a reference to Jesus Christ, and phrases such as "Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God," "meek and mild," and "feed,'' Blake describes a gentle and loving Christian god who cares for all his creatures.

In comparison, the God that Blake describes in "The Tyger" is less obviously Christian. Blake describes a fearsome and powerful God who is also an artist. He portrays God as a tiger and uses words such as hammer, furnace, and chains, which conjure up images of the power of a blacksmith. So the God of "The Tyger" is powerful and awe-inspiring, unlike the tender God of "The Lamb."PLATO

Answer 2

"The Lamb" and "The Tyger" both originally appeared in Willam Blakes' collection of poetry entitled Songs of Innocence and Experience.  William Blake questions the creatures' origins in both "The Lamb" and "The Tyger."  In "The Lamb," the speaker questions "Little Lamb, who made thee," and in "The Tyger" the speaker wonders "What immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?"