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| Blake’s engraving of “The Lamb” from Songs of Innocence and Experience, published in 1789. |
The Lamb
by William Blake
Explication
In “The Lamb,” the narrator sees an innocent, little lamb and is marvels at it as a great example of God’s creation. It is as if the narrator is talking to the Lamb: “Little Lamb,who made thee?” He answers his own question, saying that if the lamb does not know, then he will be the one that tells the lamb who created him. The creator also “calls himself a Lamb; He is meek and he is mild, (ll. 14-15)” and became a child as well. In addition, this poem emphasizes the love of God. The speaker of the poem, possibly a shepherd, repeatedly asks the lamb “who made thee?” the answer is God, but the speaker is also saying God also made himself. The poem “The Lamb” reflects the teachings of the Bible by emphasizing God is a shepherd watching over his flock. Just like the speaker, is watching over the lamb. The poem “The Lamb” expresses Romantic theme of nature; as well as focusing on the motif of feeling a greater force within and a closeness to God.
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
Gave thee 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 and 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.
For a contrast to “The Lamb,” look at Blake’s “The Tyger.”
References
Blake, William. “The Lamb.” http://www.writewellgroup.com/Euro_Hum_2002-03/EH31_SPR_S_10-11.html