The Clod and the Pebble: Key Quotes

Structure and Language Techniques

The poem is composed in three stanzas; each representing different voices n̶̶arrating the themes of love.
The ‘Clod’ and the ‘Pebble’ symbolise two opposing perspectives of love; the former represents selfless love, while the latter stands for selfish love.

The rhyme scheme of AABB is consistent to draw a stark contrast between the incompatible views of love.
Iambic tetrameter and trimeter are used to create rhythmic control, mirroring the different experiences of love.

Personification is key. Blake gives voice to two inanimate objects, the clod and the pebble, to state their opinions on love.
Metaphorical language is prominent, used to further imprint the ideologies; the clod being trodden over symbolising self-sacrifice, the pebble in the brook illustrating isolation and self-interest.
The poem makes use of juxtaposition, comparing and contrasting the two views to highlight their disparities.

The primary theme of the poem is the duality of love, with parallels seen in ‘The Lamb’ (innocence) and ‘The Tyger’ (experience).

The poem emphasises on the duality of love, by illustrating both its selfless and selfish nature.
The contrast between the two states of being (soft/flexible vs hard/unyielding) reflects the broader contrasts within ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience’.

“Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care” - This encapsulates the Clod’s view of selfless love.
“But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.” - Portrayal of benevolent love that leads to personal suffering.
“But a Pebble of the brook, Warbled out these metres meet…” - Introduces the Pebble’s voice countering the Clod’s ideation.
“Love seeketh only self to please, To bind another to its delight.” - The Pebble’s mantra of self-centred love. It seeks to entrap others for its own delight.