The Tyger Summary & Analysis

About Poem: The Tyger

Poem Title	The Tyger
Author	William Blake
Date of Writing	1794
Genre	Poetry, specifically a lyric poem
Style	Symbolism, Romanticism
Form	Six quatrains (24 lines)
Themes	The power of God, the nature of good and evil, and the mystery of creation
Imagery	Vivid and evocative, with powerful descriptions of the Tyger’s attributes
Narrative	The speaker’s contemplation of the creation of the Tyger
Publication	Part of Blake’s “Songs of Experience”
Influence	An iconic work of Romantic poetry, known for its exploration of the complexities of existence and creation
Famous lines	Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night: What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

Themes: The Tyger

The themes of William Blake’s “The Tyger” are:

1. Good vs. Evil ➤ The poem explores the coexistence of both good (the lamb) and evil (the tyger) in the world.
2. Creation and Mystery ➤ It asks where and why such powerful and fearsome creatures like the Tyger come from, questioning the mysteries of life.
3. The Dark Side of Life ➤ It reveals the harsh, fierce, and complex aspects of human existence.
4. Fear and Awe ➤ The poem highlights the terrifying and impressive nature of powerful forces in the world.
5. Religion and Spirituality ➤ It prompts thought about the divine and spiritual aspects of existence and creation.

The Tyger Poem

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, 

In the forests of the night; 

What immortal hand or eye, 

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies. 

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,

Could twist the sinews of thy heart?

And when thy heart began to beat.

What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,

In what furnace was thy brain?

What the anvil? what dread grasp.

Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears 

And water’d heaven with their tears:

Did he smile his work to see?

Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright,

In the forests of the night:

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

The Tyger Summary & Analysis

The Tyger” by William Blake is a thought-provoking and intense poem that delves into the nature of creation and the coexistence of innocence and experience. The poem consists of six quatrains and is known for its vivid imagery and powerful questions. Here’s a stanza-by-stanza summary:

Stanza 1

In the first stanza, the speaker contemplates the creation of a fearsome creature, the “Tyger.” He wonders about the origin of this creature and what kind of powerful, divine being could forge such a ferocious and fiery being.

Stanza 2

The second stanza continues to explore the creation of the Tyger. The speaker asks if the same divine force that created the innocent lamb could also create this menacing predator. He ponders the duality of creation, with one force giving rise to both gentleness and ferocity.

Stanza 3

In the third stanza, the speaker wonders about the tools or means used by this divine creator to fashion the Tyger. He mentions “anvil” and “furnace,” suggesting a blacksmith’s forge, symbolizing a place of intense transformation and creation.

Stanza 4

The fourth stanza questions the motive behind the creation of the Tyger. The speaker asks whether this fearsome creature was made for a specific purpose or intention. He also inquires if the creator felt joy or dread during the act of creation.

Stanza 5

In the fifth stanza, the speaker acknowledges the power and awe-inspiring nature of the Tyger. He mentions its “fearful symmetry” and its eyes that burn with fire. The Tyger is portrayed as a symbol of primal, elemental energy.

Stanza 6

The final stanza returns to the initial question of who could create such a creature. The speaker suggests that the same divine force that created the Tyger also holds the stars in their place, linking the celestial and earthly realms. The poem ends with a repetition of the opening question, emphasizing the mystery and wonder of creation.

FAQs: The Tyger