Blake: Songs of Experience: The Tiger Flashcards
Plot summary:
What is the plot summary?
The poem shows the speaker’s awe and wonder at the fearsome tiger, questioning how such a creature could be created by the same God who made the innocent lamb.
The poem reflects on the paradox of creation, beauty, and destruction, highlighting the mystery and complexity of life.
Quotes:
Key Quotes (CLUE: There are 3)
‘Did he smile his work to see, did he who made the lamb make thee’ - Was he pleased? - unanswered question - doubt - God is mysterious/ unanswerable - shows awe but also fear.
‘When the stars threw down their spears and watered Heaven with their tears’ - By God/ The Tiger - the terror of its creation even the stars in awe.
‘Dare frame thy symmetry?’ - accusatory - leaves uncertainty - beautiful yet destructive. Contrast between Tiger and Lamb shows Blake questioning belief.
Form and Structure:
What is the form/structure like?
The rhyme scheme is AABB in each stanza, where the first two lines rhyme with each other, and the last two lines also rhyme, creating a rhythmic, repetitive structure that emphasises the speaker’s questioning tone.
This creates a strong, rhythmic beat, fitting for the powerful and awe-inspiring subject of the tiger.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. innocence v experience
The contrast between the innocent lamb (SOI) and the fearsome tiger reflects Blake’s exploration of the transition from innocence to experience, and the coexistence of both good and evil in the world.
Themes:
Key themes e.g. beauty v destruction
The tiger represents both beauty and danger, symbolising the paradox of creation where something so majestic can also be terrifying.
Context:
What is the context of Blake?
This poem reflects his critique of societal norms and organized religion. The poem contrasts innocence and experience, exploring the paradox of creation, where beauty and destruction coexist.
Blake questions the nature of the divine and the complexities of existence, highlighting his belief in the duality of life.
Other poems it could link to:
What other poems could it link to?
“The Lamb” (SOI) – Contrasts innocence with the fearsome power of the tiger.
“The Chimney Sweeper” (SOE) – Explores the harsh realities of life, similar to The Tyger’s examination of creation.
