“The Tyger” by William Blake: Analysis

1. Tyger Tyger, burning bright, 
2. In the forests of the night; 
3. What immortal hand or eye, 
4. Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

1. In what distant deeps or skies. 
2. Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
3. On what wings dare he aspire?
4. What the hand, dare seize the fire?

1. And what shoulder, & what art,
2. Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
3. And when thy heart began to beat.
4. What dread hand? & what dread feet?

1. What the hammer? what the chain,
2. In what furnace was thy brain?
3. What the anvil? what dread grasp.
4. Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

1. When the stars threw down their spears 
2. And water’d heaven with their tears:
3. Did he smile his work to see?
4. Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

1. Tyger Tyger burning bright,
2. In the forests of the night:
3. What immortal hand or eye,
4. Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Introduction: “The Tyger” by William Blake

“The Tyger” by William Blake, published in his 1794 collection Songs of Experience, is a profound and awe-inspiring exploration of creation and the duality of existence. The poem centers on the image of a tiger, its “fearful symmetry” crafted by an enigmatic, almost paradoxical creator. Blake’s vivid imagery and rhythmic questions delve into themes of beauty and terror, the nature of the divine, and the complex forces governing the universe. Through the tiger, Blake forces the reader to ponder the origins of both good and evil, ultimately challenging conventional notions of God and the world He shaped.

Annotations of “The Tyger” by William Blake

Word/Phrase	Annotation
Tyger Tyger	The word “Tyger” is an archaic spelling of “tiger.” The repetition of the word is a stylistic device known as epizeuxis, used for emphasis.
forests of the night	Refers to the darkness and mystery of the night.
immortal hand or eye	Suggests the idea of a divine creator, as only an immortal hand or eye could create something as powerful and awe-inspiring as the tiger.
fearful symmetry	The word “fearful” here means inspiring awe and wonder, while “symmetry” refers to the tiger’s perfect and balanced appearance.
distant deeps or skies	Refers to the unknown and mysterious origins of the tiger.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes	Refers to the intense, bright, and fiery eyes of the tiger, which seem to be burning.
On what wings dare he aspire?	Suggests the idea of a daring and bold creator who would take risks and push boundaries.
hand…seize the fire	Suggests the idea of the creator as a daring and bold figure who takes risks and seizes power.
shoulder and art	Refers to the physical and creative abilities required to create such a magnificent creature.
twist the sinews of thy heart	Refers to the intricate and complex process of creating the tiger’s physical body and inner workings.
when thy heart began to beat	Refers to the moment when the tiger first came to life.
dread hand and dread feet	Suggests the idea of the creator as a fearful and powerful figure.
hammer and chain	Suggests the idea of the creative process as a form of violence or destruction, with the tiger being forged in fire and shaped by force.
furnace was thy brain	Refers to the intense mental and creative process required to create such a magnificent creature.
anvil and dread grasp	Suggests the idea of the creative process as a form of violence or destruction, with the tiger being shaped by force and pressure.
deadly terrors clasp	Suggests the idea of the tiger as a dangerous and powerful creature.
stars threw down their spears	Refers to a cosmic battle, with the stars representing the forces of nature and the universe.
water’d heaven with their tears	Suggests a powerful emotional response to the creation of the tiger.
Did he smile his work to see?	Suggests the idea of the creator taking pleasure in the creation of the tiger.
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?	References the idea of a divine creator who made both the gentle and innocent lamb and the powerful and ferocious tiger.
Tyger Tyger burning bright	Repetition of the opening line for emphasis.
forests of the night	Repetition of line 2 for emphasis.
immortal hand or eye	Repetition of line 3 for emphasis.
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?	Repetition of the final line for emphasis, with the word “dare” suggesting

Literary Devices in “The Tyger” by William Blake

Literary Device	Verse References	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	Line 1, “Tyger Tyger, burning bright”	Repeating the initial “T” sound to create a musical effect and emphasize the ferocity of the tiger.
Anaphora	Line 3 and 23, “What immortal hand or eye,”	Repeating the same phrase at the beginning of consecutive lines for emphasis and to pose a rhetorical question about the creation of the tiger.
Assonance	Line 5, “distant deeps”	Repeating the “i” sound to create a musical effect and emphasize the mysterious origins of the tiger.
Enjambment	Line 1-2, “Tyger Tyger, burning bright,/In the forests of the night”	Running the sentence over the line break to create a sense of fluidity and continuation.
Hyperbole	Line 3-4, “Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”	Using exaggeration to highlight the awe-inspiring power and beauty of the tiger’s form.
Imagery	Line 6, “Burnt the fire of thine eyes?”	Creating a vivid picture of the tiger’s intense gaze.
Irony	Line 20, “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?”	Using a rhetorical question to highlight the contrast between the gentle, innocent lamb and the fierce, dangerous tiger.
Metaphor	Line 16, “Dare its deadly terrors clasp?”	Comparing the tiger’s grasp to a deadly force.
Mood	Line 1-2, “Tyger Tyger, burning bright,/In the forests of the night”	Creating a mysterious and ominous atmosphere through the use of dark and vivid imagery.
Onomatopoeia	Line 18, “water’d heaven with their tears”	Using words that imitate the sound of the action described to create a sensory experience for the reader.
Oxymoron	Line 4, “fearful symmetry”	Combining two contradictory terms to create an intriguing paradox that captures the enigmatic nature of the tiger.
Personification	Line 17, “When the stars threw down their spears”	Giving human-like qualities to non-human entities to create a sense of grandeur and mythic quality.
Repetition	Line 21-22, “Tyger Tyger burning bright,/In the forests of the night”	Repeating the same phrase to create a memorable and impactful opening and closing to the poem.
Rhyme	Line 1-4, “bright/night/eye/symmetry”	Using words that have similar ending sounds to create a musical effect and unify the poem.
Simile	Line 5-6, “In what distant deeps or skies./Burnt the fire of thine eyes?”	Comparing the brightness of the tiger’s eyes to a burning fire to emphasize their intensity.
Symbolism	Line 20, “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?”	Using the lamb and the tiger as symbols for innocence and experience, respectively, to explore the complexities of the human condition.
Synecdoche	Line 9, “And what shoulder, & what art”	Using a part of the body (“shoulder”) and a skill or trade (“art”) to represent the entire person who could have created the tiger.
Tone	Line 21-24, “Tyger Tyger burning bright,/In the forests of the night:/What immortal hand or eye,/Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?”	Creating a tone of awe, wonder, and mystery through the use of grand language and unanswered questions.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Tyger” by William Blake

First Literary Device	Examples or Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“Tyger Tyger, burning bright” (line 1), “And what shoulder, & what art” (line 9)	Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, creating rhythm and emphasis.
Assonance	“In the forests of the night” (line 2), “twist the sinews of thy heart” (line 10)	Repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words, creating a musical effect and emphasizing certain words or phrases.
Consonance	“And water’d heaven with their tears” (line 18), “Dare its deadly terrors clasp?” (line 16)	Repetition of consonant sounds in neighboring words, creating a subtle musical effect and emphasizing certain words or phrases.
End Rhyme	“symmetry?” (line 4), “skies” (line 5)	Rhyme that occurs at the end of lines in poetry, providing structure and rhythm to the poem.
Rhyme Scheme	AABB (lines 1-4, 21-24)	The pattern of end rhymes in a poem, helping to organize the poem and create a sense of symmetry or contrast.
Diction	“sinews” (line 10), “dread” (lines 12 and 16)	Word choice and use of language, helping to create imagery and convey tone or mood.
Verse Type	Iambic Tetrameter (four iambs per line)	The metrical pattern in a line of poetry, in which an iamb (an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable) is repeated four times.
Stanza Type	Quatrain (four-line stanza)	A group of lines in a poem that share a pattern of meter and rhyme.
Poem Type	Lyric poem	A type of poem that expresses the personal feelings or thoughts of the poet, often in a musical or song-like form.
Diction and Tone	“fearful symmetry” (line 4), “deadly terrors” (line 16)	The poet’s use of language and tone to convey the ominous and mysterious nature of the tiger, creating a sense of awe and fear in the reader.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Tyger” by William Blake

1. Allusion: In “The Tyger,” William Blake uses allusions to create a sense of cosmic significance and mystery around the Tyger’s creation. For instance, the use of the phrase “immortal hand or eye” in line 3 refers to a divine creator who possesses extraordinary power and skill. Similarly, in line 17, the stars throwing down their spears and watering heaven with their tears create a sense of cosmic drama and tension. These allusions add layers of meaning to the poem and suggest that the Tyger’s creation is not just a mere physical act but rather an event of immense significance.
2. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” at the beginning and end of the poem creates a sense of symmetry and rhythm. The repetition emphasizes the power and significance of the Tyger while also creating a sense of awe and admiration. Additionally, the repetition of questions throughout the poem, such as “What immortal hand or eye/Could frame thy fearful symmetry?” (lines 3-4) and “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” (line 20), creates a sense of curiosity and wonder, as the speaker tries to understand the Tyger’s creation.
3. Imagery: William Blake’s use of vivid imagery in “The Tyger” helps to create a sense of the Tyger’s power and majesty. For example, the fire burning in the Tyger’s eyes in line 6 suggests an intensity of passion and ferocity, while the “dread grasp” in line 15 implies a terrifying and deadly strength. Furthermore, the “forests of the night” in line 2 and the “distant deeps or skies” in line 5 create a sense of mystery and wonder. Overall, the vivid imagery helps to convey the speaker’s awe and admiration for the Tyger.
4. Rhetorical questions: Blake’s use of rhetorical questions in “The Tyger” creates a sense of mystery and uncertainty about the Tyger’s creation. These questions, such as “And when thy heart began to beat./What dread hand? & what dread feet?” (lines 11-12) and “In what furnace was thy brain?” (line 14), emphasize the complexity and enigma of the Tyger’s creation. They also convey the speaker’s sense of wonder and awe as they try to comprehend the power behind the Tyger’s existence.

Themes in “The Tyger” by William Blake

1. The complexity of creation: The theme of the complexity of creation is evident in the poem as the speaker attempts to understand the nature of the Tyger’s creation. The repeated rhetorical questions throughout the poem emphasize the difficulty of comprehending such a powerful and fearsome creature. The line “What immortal hand or eye/Could frame thy fearful symmetry?” (lines 3-4) highlights the mystery and complexity of the Tyger’s creation.
2. The power of nature: The power of nature is another theme in the poem, particularly in the descriptions of the Tyger and its environment. The line “In the forests of the night” (line 2) emphasizes the Tyger’s connection to the natural world, while the description of the Tyger’s fiery eyes and the stars throwing down their spears highlights the raw power of nature.
3. The duality of creation: The theme of duality is present in the contrast between the Tyger and the Lamb, which are both creations of the same divine force. The line “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” (line 20) underscores the contrast between these two creatures and raises questions about the nature of creation.
4. The role of the artist/creator: The theme of the role of the artist or creator is also evident in the poem. The repeated questions about the identity and methods of the creator suggest a curiosity about the creative process. The line “What the hammer? What the chain,/In what furnace was thy brain?” (lines 13-14) emphasizes the role of the creator in shaping the Tyger’s form and nature.

References:

• “What immortal hand or eye/Could frame thy fearful symmetry?” (lines 3-4)
• “In the forests of the night” (line 2)
• “And when thy heart began to beat./What dread hand? & what dread feet?” (lines 11-12)
• “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” (line 20)
• “What the hammer? What the chain,/In what furnace was thy brain?” (lines 13-14)

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Tyger” by William Blake

1. Reader-Response Theory: Reader-response theory suggests that the meaning of a literary work is constructed by the reader’s personal response to the text. In the case of “The Tyger,” the reader’s interpretation of the poem may be influenced by their own experiences and beliefs about the nature of good and evil. For example, a reader who believes in a benevolent God may see the Tyger as a symbol of evil, while a reader who believes in a more ambiguous or dualistic view of the universe may see the Tyger as a powerful and necessary force. The ambiguity of the poem allows for multiple interpretations, making it a rich text for reader-response analysis.
2. New Criticism: New Criticism focuses on the text itself, rather than its historical or biographical context. In “The Tyger,” New Criticism would emphasize the imagery and symbolism used by Blake to create a powerful and ambiguous portrait of the Tyger. For example, the Tyger’s “fearful symmetry” may be interpreted as a symbol of the paradoxical nature of the universe, where good and evil are often intertwined. The repetition of the phrase “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” and the use of rhetorical questions may also be analyzed for their impact on the poem’s meaning.
3. Marxist Criticism: Marxist criticism focuses on the political and economic context of a literary work. In the case of “The Tyger,” a Marxist reading might analyze the poem as a critique of industrial capitalism and its effects on the natural world. The Tyger’s fiery eyes and fierce demeanor could be seen as a symbol of the destructive power of industrialization, which has the potential to destroy both the natural world and the human spirit. The poem’s emphasis on the creator’s power and the question of whether the same creator made the Lamb and the Tyger could also be analyzed from a Marxist perspective, as a commentary on the unequal distribution of power in society.
4. Psychoanalytic Criticism: Psychoanalytic criticism analyzes literary works through the lens of psychology and the unconscious mind. In “The Tyger,” a psychoanalytic interpretation might focus on the speaker’s sense of fear and awe in the face of the Tyger’s power, and the unconscious desires and fears that this power represents. The Tyger could be seen as a symbol of the repressed or dangerous aspects of the speaker’s psyche, while the Lamb represents innocence and purity. The repetition of the questions throughout the poem could also be analyzed from a psychoanalytic perspective, as a manifestation of the speaker’s unconscious desire for understanding and meaning.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Tyger” by William Blake

1. Topic: The Significance of Religious Imagery in “The Tyger” by William Blake

Question on Topic: How does the use of religious imagery in “The Tyger” contribute to the poem’s themes and meaning?

Thesis Statement: In “The Tyger,” William Blake uses religious imagery to convey the idea that the natural world is both beautiful and terrifying, and that its creator is both benevolent and fearsome, ultimately suggesting that the mysteries of creation are beyond human understanding.

• Topic: The Symbolism of the Tyger in “The Tyger” by William Blake

Question on Topic: What does the Tyger symbolize in “The Tyger” and how does this contribute to the poem’s meaning?

Thesis Statement: Through the powerful symbolism of the Tyger in “The Tyger,” William Blake explores the dual nature of creation, using the Tyger as a symbol of the natural world’s beauty, power, and terror, ultimately suggesting that the mysteries of creation are both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

• Topic: The Role of Literary Devices in “The Tyger” by William Blake

Question on Topic: How do the literary devices used in “The Tyger” contribute to the poem’s meaning and effect?

Thesis Statement: Through the use of vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and repetition, William Blake creates a sense of wonder and awe in “The Tyger,” ultimately suggesting that the mysteries of creation are beyond human understanding and that the natural world is both beautiful and terrifying.

• Topic: The Relationship between “The Tyger” and “The Lamb” in William Blake’s Poetry

Question on Topic: How does “The Tyger” relate to “The Lamb” in William Blake’s poetry and what does this suggest about his worldview?

Thesis Statement: Through the contrast between “The Tyger” and “The Lamb” in his poetry, William Blake explores the dual nature of creation and suggests that the mysteries of existence are both beautiful and terrifying, ultimately offering a vision of the divine that is both benevolent and fearsome.

Short Questions-Answers about “The Tyger” by William Blake

• How does the poem illustrate the Romantic literary movement?

Answer: “The Tyger” embodies many of the Romantic literary ideals, including the celebration of nature, the expression of emotion, and the rejection of rationalism. The poem’s focus on the awe-inspiring power of the Tyger and the use of vivid imagery to convey this power illustrate the Romantic emphasis on emotion and imagination. Additionally, the poem’s allusions to religious and mythological figures suggest a connection to the natural world and the divine, which is a common theme in Romantic literature.

• How does the poem explore the theme of creation?

Answer: “The Tyger” is primarily concerned with the question of how the Tyger came to be, and the poem explores this theme through the use of vivid imagery and rhetorical questions. The repeated refrain of “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” emphasizes the power and significance of the Tyger’s creation, while the speaker’s questions about the Tyger’s origins and the process of its creation suggest a sense of wonder and mystery. The poem ultimately suggests that the Tyger’s creation is a complex and awe-inspiring process that is beyond human understanding.

• How does the poem use literary devices to convey its message?

Answer: “The Tyger” makes use of several literary devices, including repetition, allusion, imagery, and rhetorical questions, to convey its message about the power and complexity of creation. The repetition of the phrase “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” emphasizes the significance of the Tyger and creates a sense of symmetry throughout the poem. The allusions to religious and mythological figures suggest a cosmic significance to the Tyger’s creation. The vivid imagery of the fire burning in the Tyger’s eyes and the stars throwing down their spears conveys the power and majesty of the Tyger. Finally, the rhetorical questions throughout the poem create a sense of wonder and uncertainty about the Tyger’s creation.

• How does “The Tyger” reflect the cultural and historical context of its time?

Answer: “The Tyger” was written during the Romantic period, a time of significant social and cultural change in Europe. The poem reflects the Romantic emphasis on emotion and imagination, as well as the rejection of rationalism and the celebration of nature. Additionally, the poem’s exploration of the theme of creation reflects the cultural and intellectual context of the time, which saw a growing interest in scientific inquiry and the natural world. Finally, the poem’s use of religious and mythological allusions reflects the ongoing influence of religion on culture and thought during this period.

Literary Works Similar to “The Tyger” by William Blake

1. “The Lamb” by William Blake: The companion poem to “The Tyger” from Blake’s Songs of Innocence , offering a contrasting view of creation. It explores innocence, gentleness, and a benevolent creator.
2. “Auguries of Innocence” by William Blake: This lengthy poem presents a series of paradoxes, examining the interconnectedness of good and evil, beauty and suffering, mirroring the complexities of “The Tyger”.
3. Paradise Lost by John Milton: Milton’s epic poem grapples with the fall of Satan and the origins of evil, a core theme Blake also questions in “The Tyger”.
4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Shelley’s novel explores dangerous creation, the consequences of playing God, and the line between creator and creation, similar to the dynamic explored in “The Tyger”.
5. “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats: Keats’ poem delves into themes of beauty, mortality, and the enduring nature of art, resonating with Blake’s immortalization of the tyger.
6. “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats: This apocalyptic poem shares a sense of awe and dread with “The Tyger”, exploring a chaotic, powerful force reshaping the world.

Suggested Readings: “The Tyger” by William Blake

Books

• Bloom, Harold. Blake’s Apocalypse: A Study in Poetic Argument. Anchor Books, 1965.
• Damon, S. Foster. A Blake Dictionary: The Ideas and Symbols of William Blake. University Press of New England, 1988.
• Frye, Northrop. Fearful Symmetry: A Study of William Blake. Princeton University Press, 1947.

Articles

• Hirsch, E.D. “Blake’s ‘Tyger’ and the Critics.” The Bulletin of the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, vol. 21, no. 1, 1967, pp. 5-12. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1346138.
• Mellor, Anne K. “Physiognomy, Form and Function in Blake’s ‘The Tyger’.” Philological Quarterly, vol. 61, no. 4, 1982, pp. 495–510. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40066176.
• Pfau, Thomas. “The Tyger as Artefact.” Studies in Romanticism, vol. 20, no. 2, 1981, pp. 147-166. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25600268.

Websites

• The William Blake Archive: https://www.blakearchive.org/ (A comprehensive digital collection of Blake’s works and related scholarship)
• The Romanticism Blog, University of Maryland: [invalid URL removed] (Features articles and analysis on various Romantic works, including those of Blake)