“The Tyger: Key Quotes”

“Tyger Tyger, burning bright,”

The repetition of “Tyger” emphasises the poet’s fascination and awe.
“burning bright” highlights the intensity of the tyger’s presence, its symbolic potency, and conveys Blake’s passionate, fiery view of the world.

“In the forests of the night,”

This phrase suggests the mysterious, even dangerous, nature of the tyger. It presents the creature as an emblem of the unknown, or the shadowy parts of existence.

“What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

“Immortal hand or eye” refers to a divine creator or creative force.
“Fearful symmetry” is a striking oxymoron which encapsulates the paradoxical nature of the tyger, as something beautiful yet terrifying.

“And what shoulder, & what art, Could twist the sinews of thy heart?”

Refers to the physical strength and creativity “art” it would take to craft such a creature, showing both force and technique.

“And when thy heart began to beat, What dread hand? & what dread feet?”

The “dread hand” and “dread feet” refer again to a divine creator, invoking a sense of power and awe.

“Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?”

The word “dare” implies a sense of audacity or even hubris, suggesting the potentially dangerous consequences of such powerful creativity.

“Did he who made the Lamb make thee?”

This question connects the poem to “The Lamb” from Songs of Innocence, suggesting a contrast or paradox within the nature of the divine creator.