William Blake was one of the great first-generation Romantic poets. In his poetry, Blake uses many variations of archetypes, which are basically symbols and represent a specific idea. Although Blake did not use the word 'archetype,' he understood the concept very well. Blake was very interested in philosophy and had an amazing view of nature and life. In his poetry, he often uses animals as his archetypes, such as in “The Lamb” and “The Tyger.” The archetypes he uses in his series of poems entitled Songs of Innocence are very different from those he uses in Songs of Experience. In his poetry, William Blake uses archetypes to illustrate the ideas of innocence, strength, and the power of optimism.
First of all, in his poem entitled “The Lamb,” William Blake uses the lamb as an archetype for innocence. In the poem, he is asking …show more content…
Tigers are known to be strong, fast, huge, and natural killers. This makes them a perfect symbol for experience and power. In this poem, Blake discusses all the aspects of this great animal that make it intimidating and feared, especially by describing its massive body. He points out the fact that it is strange that the same creator who made the innocent little lamb also made this fascinating beast. He says, “Did he smile his work to see?/Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” (lines 19-20). Undeniably, Blake can’t fathom the thought that these polar opposites could be made by the same almighty creator. William Blake uses great images in this text to develop the feeling of fear and intimidation, such as “In what distant deeps or skies/Burnt the fire of thine eyes!/On what wings dare he aspire?/What the hand, dare seize the fire?” (lines 5-8). These lines evoke the idea that tigers are a representation of power and strength. Clearly, Blake chose a great archetype in the tiger to symbolize power and
First of all, in his poem entitled “The Lamb,” William Blake uses the lamb as an archetype for innocence. In the poem, he is asking …show more content…
Tigers are known to be strong, fast, huge, and natural killers. This makes them a perfect symbol for experience and power. In this poem, Blake discusses all the aspects of this great animal that make it intimidating and feared, especially by describing its massive body. He points out the fact that it is strange that the same creator who made the innocent little lamb also made this fascinating beast. He says, “Did he smile his work to see?/Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” (lines 19-20). Undeniably, Blake can’t fathom the thought that these polar opposites could be made by the same almighty creator. William Blake uses great images in this text to develop the feeling of fear and intimidation, such as “In what distant deeps or skies/Burnt the fire of thine eyes!/On what wings dare he aspire?/What the hand, dare seize the fire?” (lines 5-8). These lines evoke the idea that tigers are a representation of power and strength. Clearly, Blake chose a great archetype in the tiger to symbolize power and