Blake William Blake\'s Poem \"The

Blake

William Blake's poem "The Lamb" embodies the central theme of innocence.

The theme of innocence runs through the entire collection of poems, and is contrasted with the theme of experience

In the Lamb, William Blake uses symbolism, diction, and other poetic devices to convey a central Christian motif.

Body paragraph I: Christian Symbolism

Blake has been described as "a mystic enraptured with incommunicable visions," and the poet's affection for Christian imagery is related to this personal passion (Frye 3)

Christ as the Lamb of God is a central biblical motif and recurs frequently throughout the Christian gospels.

"The Lamb" includes questions posed to God as a Creator.

First Stanza: "Dost thou know who made thee?"

Last Line: "Little Lamb, God bless thee!"

Body paragraph II: Theme of Innocence

A. Blake includes "The Lamb" in Songs of Innocence because the lamb is a Christian symbol of innocence.

Being "meek" and "mild" and "like a child" are adjectives that connote innocence (second stanza)

2. In the Christian bible, Christ is known for stating that the "meek will inherit the earth," as in Matthew 5:5

B. "The central idea of persecuted innocence, vicarious suffering, and deliverance" are themes in the Old Testament too (Damon & Eaves 232)

C. The poem has an innocent tone, aided by Blake's diction and the nature of the questions posed throughout the poem.

1. First stanza: "Little Lamb, who made thee? / Dost thou know who made thee?"

IV. Body paragraph III: Contrast with Tyger

A. Ironically, the lion is "commonly known as the protector of the Lamb," (Damon & Eaves 242).

B. The lion is "often associated with the Tyger, for they are both forms of wrath: the lion is spiritual wrath, inspired by pity…while the Tyger's blind wrath is purely emotional," (all Damon & Eaves 242)