The Tyger, William Blake

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Created by: Phoenix-flame
Created on: 09-12-21 17:23

"burning bright"

danger, power

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"What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?"

Main question:
Who created the tiger, and why?

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Significance of the title:

Uses the archaic spelling of 'tiger' to convey tiger's status as an ancient, original creation

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On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?

References to Icarus and Prometheus: rebels who were punished for their actions.
Conveys Blakes ideas on the French Revolution: unrelenting, anarchic rebellion leads to pain for the rebels.

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Stanza 4 idea:

The tiger was created using human methods + tiger symbolises danger = Blake conveys the idea that humans are the creators of their suffering from the Industrial Revolution.

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"hammer" "chain" "furnace" "anvil"

The tiger was not created lovingly by God, it was forged in fire and steel.
CONTEXT: Industrial Revolution.

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"When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears"

Turning point in the poem: Moves from discussing its creation to its impact on the world.
Rejection of the tiger.
Blake notes the suffering in the world.

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"Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?"

Rhetorical question:
Problem of evil - why would a loving God make something evil?

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Symbolism of the tiger:

Symbolises revolution.
CONTEXT: French Revolution - the rebels were described as a 'tribunal of tigers'

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Lamb = innocence, purity
tyger = violence danger
juxtaposition

lamb is a symbol of God's perfect, harmonious, wholly good creation.
the tyger is a symbol of human transgression against this due to the industrial revolution - how it chokes the environment and exploits people. no human should have dominion over anothe

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

"What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?"

Back

Main question:
Who created the tiger, and why?

Card 3

Front

Significance of the title:

Back

Card 4

Front

On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?

Back

Card 5

Front

Stanza 4 idea:

Back

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The Tyger, William Blake