The Lamb

The Lamb

Summary

  • “The Lamb” is a lyric poem included in William Blake’s poetry collection “Songs of Innocence”.
  • The poem is a child’s song, in the form of a question-and-answer, about the nature and actions of the Lamb.
  • The speaker, a child, inquires from the Lamb who his creator is.

Symbolism

  • The Lamb itself is a traditional Christian symbol for Jesus Christ, signifying gentleness, innocence and divine sacrifice.
  • The phrase “He is called by thy name,” refers to Christ being called the Lamb of God.
  • “I, a child” represents the innocence of the speaker and humanity in its uncorrupted form.

Themes

  • Innocence: Represented by both the speaker and the Lamb, innocence is a fundamental theme in the poem, expressed narratively and through naive questioning.
  • Religion and Purity: The speaker’s simple and devout belief in the Creator’s loving care displays Blake’s theme of religion and purity.
  • Nature and Creation: The narrative of the Lamb’s creation emphasises the beauty, innocence, and tranquillity present in nature.

Imagery

  • Visual imagery: The description of the Lamb with “clothing of delight” and “softest clothing, woolly, bright” offers a vivid mental picture of the scene.
  • Tactile imagery: The use of words related to softness and delight create a significant touch sensation enhancing our understanding of the Lamb’s innocence.

Rhyme and Meter

  • The poem employs AABB rhyme scheme, a structure common in nursery rhymes, which emphasises its child-like simplicity.
  • Each stanza follows the rhyme scheme of quatrain followed by couplet, that contributes to this rhythmical structure.

Metaphor

  • The Lamb is depicted as the “child” and the “Lamb of God”, both symbols for Jesus Christ.

Context

  • Given that this poem is part of Blake’s “Songs of Innocence”, it is important to consider Blake’s exploration of the theme of innocence and naivety.
  • As a Romantic poet, Blake often propagated the purity and simplicity of childhood, and the divine connection found in nature. “The Lamb” embodies these ideas.

These points should contribute to a comprehensive and insightful analysis of “The Lamb” by William Blake. These can also make connections with corresponding “Songs of Experience”, enforcing Blake’s perspective on innocence and experience dichotomy.