“The Lamb” by William Blake: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Lamb” by William Blake

“The Lamb” by William Blake first appeared in 1789 as part of his collection Songs of Innocence, a work that explores themes of purity, innocence, and the divine in everyday life. The poem is a gentle and lyrical meditation that uses the image of a lamb as a symbol of both innocence and Jesus Christ, blending pastoral imagery with Christian theology. The speaker, likely a child, poses rhetorical questions to the lamb, marveling at its creation and implicitly linking its origin to a benevolent Creator. The poem’s popularity as a textbook choice stems from its straightforward language, rhythmic cadence, and rich symbolic layers, making it accessible yet profound for readers of all ages. Its exploration of universal themes such as creation, divinity, and the bond between humans and nature further solidifies its place as a classic in literary studies.

Text: “The Lamb” by William Blake

Annotations: “The Lamb” by William Blake

Line	Annotation
Little Lamb who made thee	A rhetorical question addressing the lamb, symbolizing innocence and creation; introduces a tone of wonder and curiosity about the origin of life.
Dost thou know who made thee	Continues the inquiry, inviting contemplation on the divine Creator and fostering a reflective atmosphere.
Gave thee life & bid thee feed	Suggests the Creator’s nurturing role, emphasizing the provision of life and sustenance.
By the stream & o’er the mead	Paints a pastoral image, symbolizing peace, abundance, and the idyllic natural setting provided by the Creator.
Gave thee clothing of delight	Highlights the Creator’s care through the lamb’s wool, symbolizing comfort and purity.
Softest clothing wooly bright	Describes the lamb’s wool in tender, vivid imagery, reinforcing themes of innocence and beauty.
Gave thee such a tender voice	Draws attention to the lamb’s gentle voice, symbolizing joy and harmony.
Making all the vales rejoice!	Illustrates the lamb’s contribution to the world’s joy, connecting creation with celebration.
Little Lamb who made thee	Repeats the opening question, emphasizing the poem’s meditative and reflective structure.
Dost thou know who made thee	Echoes the wonder and prompts deeper thought about the Creator’s identity and purpose.
Little Lamb I’ll tell thee,	Shifts from questioning to providing an answer, introducing a didactic tone.
Little Lamb I’ll tell thee!	Reaffirms the speaker’s intent to reveal the Creator, building anticipation.
He is called by thy name,	Identifies the Creator as “the Lamb,” symbolically linking the lamb to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.
For he calls himself a Lamb:	Emphasizes Christ’s humility and purity, using the lamb as a metaphor for his divine nature.
He is meek & he is mild,	Attributes qualities of gentleness and compassion to Christ, reflecting Christian virtues.
He became a little child:	Refers to the Incarnation, the Christian belief that God became human in the form of Jesus as a child.
I a child & thou a lamb,	Establishes a parallel between the speaker and the lamb, highlighting shared innocence and connection to the Creator.
We are called by his name.	Suggests unity and identity with Christ, linking humanity and creation through divine connection.
Little Lamb God bless thee.	Concludes with a benediction, expressing reverence and gratitude for the Creator and the lamb.
Little Lamb God bless thee.	Repeats the blessing, reinforcing the tone of worship and closing the poem on a harmonious note.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Lamb” by William Blake

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	Little Lamb	The repetition of the “L” sound creates a melodic effect and emphasizes the subject of the poem.
Anaphora	Little Lamb who made thee / Dost thou know who made thee	The repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines reinforces the central theme of creation and wonder.
Apostrophe	Little Lamb who made thee	The speaker directly addresses the lamb, personifying it and creating a conversational tone.
Assonance	Gave thee life & bid thee feed	The repetition of the “ee” sound creates a sense of harmony and fluidity.
Biblical Allusion	He became a little child	Refers to the Incarnation of Christ, drawing from Christian theology.
Blazon	Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright	A poetic catalog of the lamb’s qualities, highlighting its physical and symbolic features.
Contrast	I a child & thou a lamb	Highlights the parallel between human innocence and the innocence of the lamb, enhancing the theme of purity.
End Rhyme	Feed / Mead	The rhyming words at the end of lines create a musical quality and structure.
Epistrophe	Little Lamb God bless thee / Little Lamb God bless thee	The repetition of the final phrase at the end of consecutive lines emphasizes the blessing and reverence.
Imagery	Softest clothing wooly bright	Creates a vivid mental image of the lamb, appealing to the reader’s senses.
Metaphor	He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb	Compares Jesus Christ to a lamb, symbolizing innocence, sacrifice, and divinity.
Meter	The poem follows a trochaic rhythm.	The rhythm enhances the lyrical quality and mirrors the nursery rhyme-like tone.
Paradox	He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child	Presents the paradoxical idea of the omnipotent Creator embodying meekness and humility as a child.
Personification	Making all the vales rejoice!	The vales (valleys) are given the human ability to rejoice, emphasizing the joy of creation.
Refrain	Little Lamb who made thee	The repetition of this line reinforces the central question of the poem.
Religious Symbolism	For he calls himself a Lamb	The lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, aligning the poem with Christian themes.
Repetition	Little Lamb	The repetition of “Little Lamb” emphasizes the lamb’s innocence and the poem’s contemplative tone.
Rhetorical Question	Dost thou know who made thee	Invites reflection on the mystery of creation and engages the reader in contemplation.
Symbolism	Little Lamb	The lamb symbolizes innocence, purity, and Christ, weaving together themes of creation, divinity, and spirituality.
Tone	Gentle, reflective, reverent	The tone is created through soft diction, repetitive phrasing, and theological references, evoking awe and devotion.

Themes: “The Lamb” by William Blake

1. Innocence and Purity: In “The Lamb,” Blake explores the theme of innocence and purity, particularly as embodied by the lamb. The poem celebrates the lamb’s gentle nature, as seen in the lines, “Gave thee clothing of delight, / Softest clothing wooly bright.” This description of the lamb’s soft and bright wool symbolizes its purity and evokes an image of untainted beauty. By paralleling the lamb with a child and Christ, Blake underscores the uncorrupted state of innocence, a central aspect of the Songs of Innocence collection. The tender tone throughout reflects a world unspoiled by experience or corruption.

2. Creation and Divine Providence: The poem contemplates the act of creation and the divine role in shaping life. The speaker repeatedly asks, “Little Lamb who made thee / Dost thou know who made thee?” emphasizing wonder and awe toward the Creator. The detailed depiction of the lamb’s attributes, such as its voice that “[makes] all the vales rejoice,” highlights the benevolence of a Creator who designs such beauty and harmony. Blake’s allusion to God as the maker affirms his belief in a universe governed by divine providence and care.

3. Divine Connection and Christ Symbolism: Blake weaves Christian theology into the poem by symbolically linking the lamb to Jesus Christ, referred to as the “Lamb of God” in Christian doctrine. The speaker reveals, “He is called by thy name, / For he calls himself a Lamb.” This identification underscores Christ’s humility, sacrifice, and the connection between God and all creation. The imagery of Christ as meek and mild and his incarnation as a child resonates with the lamb’s characteristics, drawing a parallel between innocence in nature and divinity.

4. Harmony Between Humans and Nature: Blake emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature, portraying the lamb as a reflection of divine harmony. The speaker relates to the lamb, saying, “I a child & thou a lamb, / We are called by his name,” suggesting a shared identity and purpose under God’s creation. This connection fosters a sense of unity and mutual blessing, culminating in the line, “Little Lamb God bless thee.” By blending the human and natural world within the scope of divine creation, Blake illustrates an idealized vision of harmony and spiritual connection.

Literary Theories and “The Lamb” by William Blake

Literary Theory	Application to “The Lamb”	References from the Poem
Formalism	Focuses on the poem’s structure, language, and use of literary devices to convey its themes.	The use of repetition (“Little Lamb who made thee”), rhyme (“feed / mead”), and meter reflects a rhythmic simplicity.
Theological Criticism	Explores the poem’s religious symbolism and theological themes, particularly the connection to Christian doctrine.	The lines “He is called by thy name, / For he calls himself a Lamb” directly connect the lamb to Christ and Christian theology.
Romanticism	Highlights the Romantic ideals of innocence, nature, and a divine presence immanent in the natural world.	“By the stream & o’er the mead” reflects the Romantic reverence for nature as a pure and spiritual sanctuary.
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s personal interpretation of the lamb as a symbol of innocence, divinity, or other attributes.	The rhetorical question “Dost thou know who made thee?” invites readers to engage with the mystery of creation.

Critical Questions about “The Lamb” by William Blake

• How does Blake use the lamb as a symbol in the poem?
• Blake uses the lamb as a central symbol to represent innocence, purity, and divine creation. The lamb’s soft wool and gentle demeanor reflect the ideal of unspoiled innocence, as seen in the description, “Softest clothing wooly bright.” Beyond this, the lamb becomes a metaphor for Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God,” as highlighted in the lines, “He is called by thy name, / For he calls himself a Lamb.” By aligning the lamb with Christ, Blake weaves together the natural and spiritual realms, suggesting that the qualities of the lamb — meekness, tenderness, and purity — mirror divine attributes. This symbolic layering elevates the lamb from a mere pastoral creature to a representation of universal and spiritual innocence, making it a profound emblem in the poem.
• What role does the speaker’s voice play in shaping the poem’s tone and themes?
• The speaker’s voice in “The Lamb” is that of a child or someone adopting a childlike perspective, characterized by simplicity, curiosity, and reverence. This is evident in the repeated rhetorical question, “Little Lamb who made thee / Dost thou know who made thee?” The speaker’s tone conveys genuine wonder and a sense of intimacy with the lamb, fostering a connection between humanity and nature. The didactic shift in the second stanza, where the speaker answers their own question, “Little Lamb I’ll tell thee,” adds a nurturing, almost instructional tone. This voice reinforces the poem’s themes of innocence and divine providence, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between the Creator, humanity, and the natural world.
• How does Blake explore the theme of divine creation in the poem?
• Blake delves into the theme of divine creation by presenting the lamb as a masterpiece of a benevolent Creator. The poem’s opening question, “Little Lamb who made thee,” sets the stage for a meditation on the origin of life. The subsequent imagery of the lamb’s environment, “By the stream & o’er the mead,” and its qualities, “tender voice, making all the vales rejoice,” portrays a world infused with divine beauty and joy. The Creator’s identity is revealed in the second stanza as Christ, whose embodiment as a lamb and a child illustrates the unity between the Creator and creation. Through this exploration, Blake highlights the divine love and care inherent in the act of creation, making the poem a celebration of spiritual harmony.
• What is the significance of the rhetorical questions in the poem?
• The rhetorical questions in “The Lamb” are pivotal in engaging both the lamb and the reader, encouraging reflection on the mysteries of existence and creation. The recurring question, “Dost thou know who made thee?” serves as a gentle prompt to consider the presence of a Creator and the relationship between creation and divinity. These questions also underline the childlike curiosity and wonder that permeate the poem, framing the speaker’s perspective. For the reader, they function as an invitation to ponder the theological and philosophical implications of the Creator’s identity, culminating in the revelation of Christ’s role. Thus, the rhetorical questions are a device that deepens the poem’s contemplative tone and reinforces its thematic core.

Literary Works Similar to “The Lamb” by William Blake

1. “The Tyger” by William Blake
   Similarity: A counterpart to “The Lamb” from Songs of Experience, it also explores creation, but with a focus on awe, fear, and the duality of divine power.
2. “Holy Thursday” by William Blake
   Similarity: Found in Songs of Innocence, this poem shares the themes of childhood, innocence, and spirituality, reflecting Blake’s exploration of purity and societal values.
3. “God’s Grandeur” by Gerard Manley Hopkins
   Similarity: Like “The Lamb,” this poem meditates on the presence of God in creation and the natural world’s reflection of divine power and care.
4. “The Little Black Boy” by William Blake
   Similarity: Another poem from Songs of Innocence, it uses a childlike voice and symbolic imagery to explore themes of divine creation, purity, and the human connection to God.

Representative Quotations of “The Lamb” by William Blake

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Little Lamb who made thee”	The speaker asks the lamb a rhetorical question about its creation.	Theological Criticism: Reflects wonder at divine creation and a search for the Creator’s identity.
“Dost thou know who made thee”	Repeats the question, emphasizing the mystery of creation and the innocence of inquiry.	Reader-Response Theory: Invites readers to reflect on their understanding of creation and divinity.
“Gave thee clothing of delight”	Describes the lamb’s wool, symbolizing divine care and purity.	Formalism: Highlights the use of vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the theme of innocence.
“Softest clothing wooly bright”	Portrays the lamb’s wool as bright and soft, emphasizing its purity and simplicity.	Romanticism: Evokes the Romantic ideal of nature’s perfection as a reflection of the divine.
“He is called by thy name”	The speaker connects the lamb to Jesus Christ, linking innocence to divinity.	Theological Criticism: Highlights the symbolic parallel between the lamb and Christ as the “Lamb of God.”
“For he calls himself a Lamb”	Establishes Christ’s humility and connection to the lamb as a symbol of sacrifice and innocence.	Religious Symbolism: Explores the alignment of Christ’s qualities with the lamb’s attributes.
“He became a little child”	Refers to Christ’s incarnation, linking divine innocence to human experience.	Christian Theology: Examines the Incarnation as a representation of God’s connection to humanity.
“I a child & thou a lamb”	The speaker relates to the lamb, highlighting shared innocence and divine connection.	Humanism: Emphasizes the unity of humans and nature under divine creation.
“Making all the vales rejoice!”	Describes the lamb’s voice bringing joy to the valleys, symbolizing harmony in creation.	Ecocriticism: Reflects the interconnectedness of living beings and their environment as a divine orchestration.
“Little Lamb God bless thee”	Concludes the poem with a blessing, emphasizing gratitude and reverence for the Creator.	Formalism: Repetition of the blessing reinforces the poem’s tone of worship and its meditative structure.

Suggested Readings: “The Lamb” by William Blake

1. Gleckner, Robert F. “‘The Lamb’ and ‘The Tyger’–How Far with Blake?” The English Journal, vol. 51, no. 8, 1962, pp. 536–43. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/810419. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
2. MINER, PAUL. “‘The Tyger’: Genesis & Evolution in the Poetry of William Blake.” Criticism, vol. 4, no. 1, 1962, pp. 59–73. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23091046. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
3. Baine, Rodney M., and Mary R. Baine. “Blake’s Other Tigers, and ‘The Tyger.'” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, vol. 15, no. 4, 1975, pp. 563–78. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/450011. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
4. Newton, A. Edward. “Works of William Blake.” Bulletin of the Pennsylvania Museum, vol. 21, no. 103, 1926, pp. 162–65. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3794057. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.