Symbolism in the Poem “Tyger” by William Blake.

    William Blake's "The Tyger" is a poem that is rich in symbolism. The most influential symbol in the poem 'The Tyger' is the tiger itself: the animal carries significant symbolism in their own right. The tiger is a symbol of supremacy, power, and ferocity. The reappearance of the sound "Tyger" all over the poem emphasizes the central importance.The poem explores the nature of creation and existence through the use of powerful imagery and symbolism. 

Symbolism in the Poem “Tyger”:

The Tyger

    The tiger itself is one of the most important symbols in the poem. The tiger is a symbol of power, passion, danger, and destruction. It is a creature that inspires awe and fear in those who see it. The use of the word "tyger" instead of "tiger" suggests that this is not just any tiger, but a symbol of something greater and more powerful.

You Can also Read: Summary of the Poem “The Tyger”

The Forest

    The forest is another important symbol in the poem. The forest represents the unknown and the mysterious. It is a place where danger lurks and where one can easily become lost. The fact that the tiger is found in the forest adds to its power and mystery.

The Immortal Hand or Eye

    The immortal hand or eye that created the tiger is another important symbol in the poem. This symbol represents the divine or supernatural force that is responsible for creating the tiger. The use of the word "immortal" suggests that this force is beyond human understanding and that it exists outside of time and space.

The Fire

    The fire that burns in the tiger's eyes is another important symbol in the poem. The fire represents passion and power. It is a symbol of the tiger's intensity and ferocity. The use of the word "burning" suggests that this fire is not just a physical flame, but a symbol of the tiger's inner strength and power.

The Hammer and Chain

    The hammer and chain that were used to create the tiger are another important symbol in the poem. These symbols represent the violent and intense process of creation. The use of the word "dread" suggests that this process was not a gentle one, but one that was filled with fear and danger.

The Anvil

    The anvil that was used to create the tiger is another important symbol in the poem. The anvil represents the physical world and the forces of nature. It is a symbol of the raw materials that were used to create the tiger. The use of the word "dread" suggests that even the physical world is a place of danger and fear.

The Lamb

    The lamb that is mentioned at the end of the poem is another important symbol in the poem. The lamb represents innocence and gentleness. It is a symbol of the opposite of the tiger. The fact that the same creator made both the lamb and the tiger raises important questions about the nature of creation and existence.

    In conclusion, "The Tyger" is a poem that is rich in symbolism. The tiger, the forest, the immortal hand or eye, the fire, the hammer and chain, the anvil, and the lamb are all important symbols in the poem. These symbols represent important themes and ideas about the nature of creation and existence. The use of powerful imagery and symbolism encourages the reader to think deeply about these themes and to question their own assumptions about the world around them. "The Tyger" continues to be studied and appreciated by readers today as a powerful example of Blake's unique and visionary style of poetry.