The Lamb by William Blake: A Comprehensive Analysis

William Blake’s poem “The Lamb” is a masterpiece of simplicity and depth, captivating readers for over two centuries with its blend of innocence and profound spiritual insight. Written in 1789 as part of his collection “Songs of Innocence,” this poem showcases Blake’s unique ability to express complex ideas through seemingly simple verses.

In this analysis, we’ll delve deep into the various aspects of “The Lamb,” exploring its themes, structure, historical context, and enduring relevance.

The Poem

Let’s begin by reading the poem in its entirety:

Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee Gave thee life & bid thee feed. By the stream & o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice! Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee

Little Lamb I’ll tell thee, Little Lamb I’ll tell thee! He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb: He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child: I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name. Little Lamb God bless thee. Little Lamb God bless thee.

Now that we’ve read the poem, let’s break it down and understand its various elements in detail.

Structure of the Poem

Two Stanzas

“The Lamb” is structured in two stanzas, each consisting of ten lines. This deliberate organization reflects Blake’s intention to create a balanced, symmetrical poem that mirrors the harmony he sees in creation. The two-stanza structure serves a crucial purpose:

1. The first stanza poses questions and presents observations about the lamb.
2. The second stanza provides answers and offers a deeper spiritual interpretation.

This question-and-answer format creates a sense of dialogue, making the poem feel interactive and engaging. It’s as if we’re overhearing a conversation between a curious child and a wise, gentle teacher. This structure also reflects the process of spiritual inquiry and revelation, moving from wondering about creation to understanding the creator.

Rhyme Scheme

Blake employs a simple yet effective rhyme scheme in “The Lamb”: AABBCCDDAA. This pattern is consistent across both stanzas, creating a musical quality that enhances the poem’s childlike innocence and makes it easy to remember. Let’s break it down:

• Lines 1-2: thee/thee
• Lines 3-4: feed/mead
• Lines 5-6: delight/bright
• Lines 7-8: voice/rejoice
• Lines 9-10: thee/thee (repeating the opening rhyme)

This rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s nursery rhyme-like quality, which is fitting for a piece in the “Songs of Innocence” collection. The simplicity of the rhymes contrasts with the depth of the ideas presented, creating an interesting tension between form and content.

Meter and Rhythm

While “The Lamb” doesn’t follow a strict metrical pattern, it does have a rhythmic quality that contributes to its musicality. The lines generally have seven or eight syllables, creating a gentle, lilting rhythm when read aloud. This rhythm mimics the soft, comforting voice one might use when speaking to a child or a small animal, reinforcing the poem’s themes of innocence and gentleness.

Themes in “The Lamb”

Innocence

The central theme of “The Lamb” is innocence, which aligns with its place in Blake’s “Songs of Innocence” collection. This innocence is multi-faceted and operates on several levels:

1. The innocence of the lamb as a young, pure animal
2. The innocence of the speaker, implied to be a child
3. The spiritual innocence associated with Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “Lamb of God”

Blake uses the lamb as a symbol of pristine purity and guilelessness. The lamb, with its soft wool and gentle voice, embodies a state of untainted existence that Blake associates with both childhood and spiritual perfection.

The speaker’s innocent curiosity, expressed through simple questions, further reinforces this theme. The direct, unaffected way of asking “who made thee” reflects a child’s straightforward approach to understanding the world.

By connecting the lamb to Jesus Christ, Blake also introduces the concept of spiritual innocence – a state of being that transcends the physical world and connects directly with the divine.

Example: Consider how we often use the phrase “innocent as a lamb” to describe someone pure and free from guilt or malice. This common expression reflects the same association between lambs and innocence that Blake is drawing upon in his poem.

Creation and the Creator

Another significant theme in “The Lamb” is the relationship between creation and the creator. This theme is introduced in the very first line with the question “who made thee” and is explored throughout the poem.

Blake presents creation as an act of love and care. The creator is described as one who:

• Gave life to the lamb
• Provided for its needs (“bid thee feed”)
• Gave it beautiful attributes (“clothing of delight,” “tender voice”)

This portrayal of creation emphasizes the benevolence and attentiveness of the creator. It suggests a universe where every creature is purposefully and lovingly crafted, down to the smallest detail.

The theme of creation also touches on the idea of origins and identity. By asking who made the lamb, the speaker is really asking about the nature of existence itself. This reflects humanity’s eternal quest to understand our place in the universe and the source of our being.

Example: Imagine a child looking at a beautiful flower and asking, “Where did this come from? Who made it so pretty?” This natural curiosity about the origins and creator of beautiful things in nature is similar to the speaker’s questions in the poem.

Christianity

While “The Lamb” can be appreciated on a secular level, it is deeply rooted in Christian symbolism and theology. Blake infuses the poem with several Christian concepts:

1. Jesus as the Lamb of God: In Christian tradition, Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God,” a title that emphasizes his sacrificial role and his innocence.
2. God as creator: The poem’s focus on who made the lamb aligns with the Christian belief in God as the creator of all things.
3. The dual nature of Christ: By connecting the lamb (a symbol of Jesus) with both the creator and the creation, Blake alludes to the Christian concept of Jesus as both fully God and fully human.
4. Divine incarnation: The line “He became a little child” refers to the Christian belief in the incarnation – God becoming human in the form of Jesus.
5. Blessing and grace: The poem ends with a blessing, reflecting the Christian emphasis on God’s grace and blessings upon his creation.

These Christian elements are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the poem, providing a deeper layer of meaning for those familiar with Christian teachings while still remaining accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Example: In many Christian churches, especially during Easter, you might see imagery of a lamb carrying a flag or banner. This represents Jesus as the Lamb of God who triumphs over death. Blake is tapping into this rich tradition of lamb imagery in Christianity.

Analysis of the First Stanza

Questions to the Lamb

The first stanza opens with a series of questions addressed to the lamb:

“Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee”

These questions serve multiple purposes:

1. They establish the conversational tone of the poem.
2. They introduce the central theme of creation and creator.
3. They reflect a child-like curiosity about the world.

The repetition of “who made thee” emphasizes the importance of this question. It’s not just about the lamb’s origins, but about the nature of existence itself. By asking if the lamb knows who made it, the speaker implies that this knowledge might be innate or instinctive, suggesting a deep connection between the creation and its creator.

Describing the Lamb

After the initial questions, the speaker goes on to describe the lamb and its attributes:

“Gave thee life & bid thee feed. By the stream & o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice!”

This description serves several purposes:

1. It creates a vivid, pastoral image of the lamb in its natural setting.
2. It emphasizes the care and attention of the creator in crafting every aspect of the lamb.
3. It reinforces the lamb’s association with innocence and joy.

The description moves from the basics of life (being fed) to more aesthetic qualities (soft, bright wool and a tender voice). This progression suggests that the creator provides not just for survival, but for beauty and joy as well.

The image of the lamb feeding “by the stream & o’er the mead” (meadow) paints a picture of an idyllic, peaceful existence. This contributes to the overall tone of innocence and contentment in the poem.

The lamb’s “clothing of delight” and “tender voice” that makes “all the vales rejoice” portray it as a creature that brings joy to the world simply by being itself. This can be seen as a metaphor for the inherent goodness of creation and the joy that comes from living in harmony with one’s nature.

Example: Picture a scene from a children’s book showing a fluffy white lamb in a lush green meadow, drinking from a bubbling brook. The sun is shining, and flowers are blooming all around. This idyllic image is what Blake is creating with his words, evoking a sense of peace and natural beauty.

Repetition

The stanza ends by repeating the opening lines:

“Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee”

This repetition serves several purposes:

1. It creates a circular structure, bringing the stanza back to its starting point.
2. It emphasizes the central question of the poem.
3. It creates a rhythmic, song-like quality.
4. It reinforces the child-like nature of the speaker, as children often repeat questions.

The repetition also serves to transition us to the second stanza, where these questions will be answered. It creates a sense of anticipation, making the reader eager to hear the response.

Analysis of the Second Stanza

Answering the Questions

The second stanza begins with the speaker preparing to answer the questions posed in the first stanza:

“Little Lamb I’ll tell thee, Little Lamb I’ll tell thee!”

This repetition creates a sense of excitement and importance about the answer that’s about to be given. It’s as if the speaker is saying, “Listen carefully, I’m about to tell you something really important!”

Introducing the Creator

The speaker then describes the creator:

“He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb: He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child:”

This description is rich with Christian symbolism:

1. “He is called by thy name”: This suggests that the creator shares an identity with the creation. In Christian terms, this refers to Jesus being called the Lamb of God.
2. “He calls himself a Lamb”: This directly refers to Jesus identifying himself with the sacrificial lamb in Christian theology.
3. “He is meek & he is mild”: These attributes are often associated with Jesus in Christian teachings, particularly in the Beatitudes where Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek.”
4. “He became a little child”: This line refers to the Christian doctrine of incarnation, where God becomes human in the form of Jesus.

By describing the creator in these terms, Blake is presenting a vision of divinity that is gentle, humble, and closely connected to creation. This contrasts with more distant or judgmental portrayals of God.

Connecting the Lamb, the Child, and Christ

The speaker then makes a profound connection:

“I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name.”

This connection between the child (the speaker), the lamb, and Christ (who is also described as a lamb and a child) is a key moment in the poem. It suggests that:

1. There is a fundamental similarity between all innocent beings.
2. The divine is present in the innocent and pure.
3. Humans, animals, and the divine are all interconnected.

This connection reinforces the theme of innocence and suggests that by maintaining our innocence and purity, we can be closer to the divine.

Example: Think about how people sometimes say that children or animals are “closer to God” because of their innocence and purity. This is the kind of idea that Blake is exploring in these lines.

Blessing

The poem concludes with a blessing:

“Little Lamb God bless thee. Little Lamb God bless thee.”

This blessing serves multiple purposes:

1. It provides a gentle, affectionate conclusion to the poem.
2. It reinforces the religious theme of the poem.
3. The repetition adds to the song-like, nursery rhyme quality of the piece.
4. It suggests an ongoing relationship between the creator and the creation, with blessings continually being given.

The simplicity of this blessing contrasts with the deep theological ideas presented earlier in the stanza. This contrast emphasizes Blake’s belief that profound spiritual truths can be expressed in simple, childlike ways.

Poetic Devices Used in “The Lamb”

Repetition

Repetition is a key device in “The Lamb,” used throughout the poem for emphasis and musical effect. Key repetitions include:

• “Little Lamb who made thee” (first stanza)
• “Little Lamb I’ll tell thee” (second stanza)
• “Little Lamb God bless thee” (end of second stanza)

These repetitions create a refrain-like structure, enhancing the poem’s song-like quality. They also emphasize key ideas: the question of creation, the importance of the answer, and the blessing that concludes the poem.

Alliteration

Blake uses alliteration (the repetition of initial consonant sounds) to create a pleasing rhythm and emphasize certain words. Examples include:

• “Gave thee life & bid thee feed”
• “Softest clothing wooly bright”
• “Making all the vales rejoice”

These alliterations make the poem more musical and memorable. They also draw attention to key descriptive elements, like the lamb’s wool and its effect on its surroundings.

Symbolism

The lamb in this poem is a rich symbol with multiple layers of meaning:

1. As a young animal, it represents innocence and purity.
2. In Christian symbolism, it represents Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God.”
3. It symbolizes the natural world and God’s creation.
4. As a meek and mild creature, it embodies gentleness and peace.

By using the lamb as a central symbol, Blake is able to talk about complex theological and philosophical ideas in a simple, approachable way.

Personification

Blake personifies the lamb by addressing it directly and implying that it can understand and potentially respond. This personification does several things:

1. It makes the lamb more relatable, almost human-like.
2. It reflects a worldview where all of creation is alive and in communion with God.
3. It adds to the child-like, fanciful tone of the poem.

Imagery

Blake uses vivid imagery to bring the lamb and its surroundings to life. He describes:

• The lamb feeding “by the stream & o’er the mead”
• Its “clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright”
• Its “tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice”

These images appeal to multiple senses – sight, touch, and sound – creating a rich, immersive experience for the reader.

The Significance of “The Lamb”

In Blake’s Work

“The Lamb” holds a central place in Blake’s oeuvre, particularly as part of his “Songs of Innocence” collection. It embodies many of the key themes and ideas that Blake explored throughout his career:

1. The innocence of childhood and its connection to spiritual purity
2. The relationship between humanity, nature, and the divine
3. The ability of simple, childlike perspectives to reveal profound truths

The poem also serves as a counterpoint to “The Tyger,” a later poem by Blake that explores similar questions about creation from a more complex, adult perspective. Together, these poems showcase Blake’s ability to approach deep philosophical and theological questions from different angles.

In English Literature

“The Lamb” is considered one of the most important poems in English literature for several reasons:

1. It exemplifies the Romantic movement’s focus on nature, emotion, and the individual’s spiritual experience.
2. Its seemingly simple structure and language belie a complex exploration of profound themes, showcasing the power of poetic compression.
3. It demonstrates how religious and philosophical ideas can be expressed through poetry in an accessible way.
4. Its musicality and use of symbolism have influenced countless poets who came after Blake.

In Religious Poetry

As a piece of religious poetry, “The Lamb” is significant for its:

1. Blending of Christian symbolism with a broader, more universal spirituality
2. Portrayal of a gentle, loving divinity closely connected to creation
3. Accessibility, expressing complex theological ideas in simple language
4. Celebration of innocence as a spiritual virtue

The poem has been embraced by many Christian readers while also appealing to those of other faiths or no faith, due to its universal themes and gentle, wonder-filled approach to spirituality.

How to Read “The Lamb”

To fully appreciate “The Lamb,” consider following these steps when reading:

1. Read it aloud: The musicality of the poem is crucial to its effect. Reading it out loud helps you feel the rhythm and hear the rhymes. Notice how the repetitions create a song-like quality.
2. Visualize the imagery: As you read, try to picture the lamb in its pastoral setting. Imagine the soft wool, the tender voice, the streams and meadows. This visualization helps bring the poem to life.
3. Consider the questions: Reflect on the significance of asking who made the lamb. How does this relate to larger questions about existence and creation?
4. Think about the answers: How does the poem answer its own questions? What does this tell us about Blake’s worldview and his understanding of the relationship between the divine and the natural world?
5. Reflect on your feelings: Pay attention to how the poem makes you feel. Does it evoke a sense of peace, wonder, or spiritual connection?
6. Look for connections: How does this poem relate to other things you’ve read, your own experiences, or your understanding of spirituality and nature?
7. Consider the historical context: Remember that Blake was writing during the Romantic period, which emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience. How does this poem reflect those values?
8. Explore the symbolism: Think about what the lamb represents beyond just being an animal. Consider its significance in Christianity and in Blake’s broader body of work.

Example: When I read this poem, I imagine myself sitting in a sunny meadow, watching a young lamb graze nearby. I picture a child sitting next to me, pointing at the lamb and asking, “Who made that?” This helps me connect with the sense of wonder and innocence that Blake is trying to convey.

The Relevance of “The Lamb” Today

Despite being written over two centuries ago, “The Lamb” remains relevant in many ways:

1. Spiritual questioning: The poem’s central question about creation still resonates with people seeking to understand their place in the universe.
2. Appreciation of innocence: In an often cynical world, the poem’s celebration of innocence and purity can be refreshing and inspiring.
3. Connection with nature: As environmental concerns grow, the poem’s portrayal of a harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and the divine feels particularly poignant.
4. Simplicity and mindfulness: The poem’s focus on a single lamb and its attributes can be seen as a kind of meditation, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation of the present moment.
5. Interfaith dialogue: While rooted in Christianity, the poem’s universal themes of creation, innocence, and divine love can provide a starting point for interfaith discussions.
6. Literary technique: The poem continues to be studied as an excellent example of how complex ideas can be expressed through simple language and structure.
7. Childhood and education: The poem’s child-like perspective makes it accessible to young readers, while its deeper meanings provide material for more advanced literary analysis.

Example: Consider how many people today are turning to nature-based spiritualities or finding comfort in mindfulness practices. The way Blake encourages us to look closely at a lamb and consider its place in the grand scheme of things is not unlike modern mindfulness exercises that ask us to focus intently on natural objects.

Blake’s Other Works and “The Lamb”

To fully appreciate “The Lamb,” it’s helpful to consider it in the context of Blake’s other works:

1. “Songs of Innocence and of Experience”: “The Lamb” is part of the “Songs of Innocence,” which was later combined with “Songs of Experience” to create a larger work exploring the contrast between innocent, pastoral world of childhood and the darker, more complex adult world.
2. “The Tyger”: Often considered a companion piece to “The Lamb,” this poem from “Songs of Experience” asks similar questions about creation but focuses on the fearsome tiger rather than the gentle lamb.
3. Blake’s artwork: Blake was also a visual artist and often accompanied his poems with illustrations. The original illustration for “The Lamb” shows a child talking to a lamb in a pastoral setting, reinforcing the themes of the poem.
4. “Jerusalem”: This longer poem by Blake also explores themes of creation, divinity, and the relationship between the earthly and the spiritual.
5. Blake’s Prophetic Books: These complex works, including “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,” delve deeper into Blake’s unique spiritual and philosophical views.

Understanding these connections can enrich our reading of “The Lamb” by placing it within Blake’s broader artistic and philosophical vision.

Critical Reception and Interpretations

Over the years, “The Lamb” has been subject to various interpretations and critical analyses:

1. Religious interpretation: Many critics view the poem primarily through a Christian lens, seeing it as a celebration of Jesus Christ and Christian doctrine.
2. Romantic ideals: Others emphasize how the poem embodies Romantic ideals of innocence, nature, and individual spiritual experience.
3. Psychological reading: Some interpret the poem as representing the innocent stage of human psychological development.
4. Political perspective: A few critics have seen political undertones in the poem, with the gentle lamb representing an ideal of society in contrast to corrupt human institutions.
5. Ecological reading: More recent interpretations have focused on the poem’s depiction of the relationship between humans and nature.

These varied interpretations demonstrate the poem’s richness and its capacity to speak to different readers in different ways.

Teaching “The Lamb”

“The Lamb” is often taught in schools and universities for several reasons:

1. Its simple language makes it accessible to younger students.
2. Its deep themes provide material for more advanced analysis.
3. It’s an excellent introduction to symbolism and allegory in poetry.
4. It pairs well with other Blake poems for comparative study.
5. It can be used to discuss religious themes in literature.

When teaching “The Lamb,” educators often focus on:

• Analyzing the poem’s structure and rhyme scheme
• Discussing the symbolism of the lamb
• Exploring the religious and philosophical themes
• Comparing it to other Blake poems, especially “The Tyger”
• Using it as a starting point for creative writing exercises

Example: A teacher might ask students to write their own poem addressing an animal and asking who made it, encouraging them to think about the qualities of the animal and what it might symbolize.

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FAQs About “The Lamb”

1. Q: Who wrote “The Lamb”? A: “The Lamb” was written by William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker who lived from 1757 to 1827.
2. Q: When was “The Lamb” written? A: Blake wrote “The Lamb” in 1789 as part of his collection “Songs of Innocence.”
3. Q: What is the main theme of “The Lamb”? A: The main themes are innocence, creation, and the nature of divinity. The poem explores these ideas through the symbol of a lamb.
4. Q: Is “The Lamb” a religious poem? A: Yes, “The Lamb” has strong religious themes, particularly related to Christianity. It uses the lamb as a symbol for Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “Lamb of God.”
5. Q: Why does Blake use a lamb in this poem? A: The lamb symbolizes innocence, purity, and gentleness. It’s also a reference to Jesus Christ, who is called the “Lamb of God” in Christian tradition.
6. Q: What is the structure of “The Lamb”? A: The poem has two stanzas, each with ten lines. It uses a rhyme scheme of AABBCCDDAA.
7. Q: What is the companion poem to “The Lamb”? A: “The Tyger,” also by William Blake, is often considered a companion piece to “The Lamb.” It appears in Blake’s later collection, “Songs of Experience.”
8. Q: Is “The Lamb” difficult to understand? A: While the poem has deep meanings, its language is relatively simple. This makes it accessible to many readers, including children, while still providing material for complex analysis.
9. Q: Why is “The Lamb” considered an important poem? A: It’s important for its artistic merit, its exploration of profound ideas through simple language, and its place in the Romantic movement in English literature.
10. Q: Can “The Lamb” be interpreted in non-religious ways? A: Yes, while it has clear religious themes, the poem can also be read as a general exploration of innocence, nature, and the wonder of existence.
11. Q: How does “The Lamb” reflect Blake’s broader philosophy? A: The poem reflects Blake’s belief in the interconnectedness of all things, the divinity present in nature and innocence, and the importance of seeing the world with wonder and imagination.
12. Q: How has “The Lamb” influenced later literature? A: The poem’s use of simple language to express complex ideas, its exploration of innocence, and its blending of spiritual and natural themes have influenced many later poets and writers.