The Tyger: Themes & Linking Poems

The Tyger: Themes & Linking Poems

Themes in “The Tyger”

Creation and the Creator:

• The central theme of this poem revolves around the creation of the Tyger and the nature of the creator.
• Blake ponders on the idea of who could have created such a fierce creature, often metaphorically linking the creator to a blacksmith crafting the Tyger in a fiery forge.

Contrasts and Dualities:

• Blake draws a stark contrast between the fierce Tyger and the innocent lamb, using these animals as metaphors for polar opposite forces and ideas.
• This theme can also be linked to other poems in the collection such as “The Lamb” which paints an entirely different picture of a gentle and loving creator.

Linking Poems

The Lamb:

• To fully understand the themes and ideas in “The Tyger”, it is beneficial to study “The Lamb”, its corresponding poem in the “Songs of Innocence” collection.
• Both poems question the nature of the creator, with “The Lamb” providing a contrasting view of a gentle, caring creator, which may then enhance our understanding of the angry and fearsome depiction in “The Tyger”.

The Divine Image:

• Themes of creation, divinity and morality in “The Tyger” are also reflected in this poem.
• It explores the concept of the divine image being present in every human being, an idea which can also be implied from the fierce imagery of the Tyger, symbolising intrinsic powers and passions within humanity.