The Lamb
by William Blake
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 woolly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made theeLittle 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.
Unlocking the Meaning of “The Lamb” by William Blake
William Blake’s “The Lamb” stands as a beautifully crafted and seemingly simple poem, yet it holds profound depths. A foundational piece within his celebrated Songs of Innocence collection, this poem offers a tender exploration of creation, faith, and the profound interconnectedness of all living things. It moves beyond merely describing an animal, using the lamb as a powerful symbol to delve into significant religious and philosophical concepts. The poem invites readers to ponder fundamental questions about the Creator and humanity’s place within the natural world. At its core, “The Lamb” beautifully illustrates the idea that divine creative power is evident in even the most gentle and innocent of creatures.
“The Lamb” Summary: What the Poem is About
The poem commences with a direct, childlike inquiry addressed to a lamb: “Little Lamb who made thee?” This question serves as more than a simple query about the lamb’s origin; it acts as a gateway for contemplating the ultimate Creator. The speaker then provides the answer, revealing that the Creator shares qualities with the lamb itself, being gentle, meek, and having taken the form of a child. This crucial connection suggests that God is not a distant, imposing figure, but rather embodies the innocence and vulnerability observed in both a lamb and a child. The poem concludes with a heartfelt blessing, reinforcing a pervasive sense of peace and divine presence throughout creation.
Central Idea and Essential Knowledge of “The Lamb”
The central idea woven throughout “The Lamb” is the inherent goodness of creation and the accessible nature of God through innocence and the natural world. Blake firmly believed that genuine faith could be discovered not through rigid religious doctrine, but by recognizing the divine spark present within all living beings.
To fully appreciate this work, it is essential to understand its context within Blake’s larger artistic vision. “The Lamb” is part of his groundbreaking project, Songs of Innocence and of Experience, which explores contrasting states of the human soul. In this duality, “The Lamb” powerfully represents the state of innocence, often contrasted with poems from the Songs of Experience that delve into the darker, more complex aspects of life and human existence.
In-Depth Analysis of “The Lamb”
Analyzing the First Stanza
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 woolly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
The first stanza is characterized by its repeated questions, which immediately establish a tone of wonder and childlike curiosity. Notice how Blake meticulously emphasizes the benevolent gifts bestowed upon the lamb by its Creator. These gifts include life itself, sustenance as seen in “Gave thee life & bid thee feed,” and the idyllic setting of “By the stream & o’er the mead.” The imagery here is distinctly pastoral and serene, painting a picture of peaceful harmony in nature. The repetition of the opening lines, “Little Lamb who made thee, Dost thou know who made thee,” serves not merely as a rhetorical device, but as an invitation for the reader to join in the profound contemplation of the Creator’s role. For instance, the lines “Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing woolly bright” employ vivid sensory imagery to highlight the lamb’s simple joy and underscore the Creator’s loving provision and attention to detail.
Dissecting the Second Stanza
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.
This stanza directly provides the answer to the questions posed in the first, shifting from inquiry to revelation. The declaration that the Creator “calls himself a Lamb” is a clear and powerful allusion to Jesus Christ, who is frequently referred to as the “Lamb of God” within Christian theology. This connection is absolutely central to understanding Blake’s overarching message. The Creator is presented not as a distant, abstract entity, but as an empathetic, vulnerable figure who embodies gentleness and humility. The lines “He became a little child” and “I a child & thou a lamb” forge a profound connection between the speaker, the innocent lamb, and the divine. This suggests that innocence and vulnerability are not weaknesses, but rather pathways to understanding and experiencing God. The strategic use of the pronoun “We” in “We are called by his name” establishes a sense of unity and shared identity among all innocent beings and the divine. The stanza, and indeed the poem, culminates with the tender and resonant blessing, “Little Lamb, God bless thee,” serving as a beautiful affirmation of divine presence in all creation.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Lamb”
Blake masterfully employs several literary and poetic devices to convey the poem’s deep themes with clarity and emotional resonance.
Key Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The lamb is the central and most potent symbol, representing profound innocence, inherent gentleness, and divine grace. Its image evokes purity and sacrifice.
- Allusion: The poem contains a significant religious allusion to Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “Lamb of God” in Christian tradition, which enriches its theological meaning and spiritual depth.
- Imagery: Blake uses vivid and evocative imagery, such as “stream,” “mead,” and “woolly bright,” to create a pastoral, idyllic, and comforting setting that enhances the poem’s themes of peace and natural harmony.
- Repetition: The repeated questions in the first stanza and the blessings in the second, along with phrases like “Little Lamb,” emphasize key themes and create a memorable, lyrical rhythm that mirrors a child’s song.
Poetic Devices at Play
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem adheres to a simple and consistent AABB rhyme scheme throughout both stanzas. This regular pattern contributes to its musicality, memorability, and childlike quality.
- Stanza Structure: “The Lamb” is composed of two distinct quatrain stanzas, meaning each stanza has four lines. This concise and balanced structure aids in the poem’s clarity and directness.
- End Rhyme: The use of end rhyme, where the words at the end of lines rhyme, is a fundamental element of the poem’s AABB scheme. This technique enhances the poem’s lyrical quality and makes it particularly pleasing to read aloud.
- Refrain: The repeated phrase “Little Lamb” functions as a refrain, appearing at the beginning and end of each stanza. This repetition reinforces the central image and theme, creating a comforting and rhythmic effect.
- Anaphora: The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines, such as “Gave thee life & bid thee feed,” “Gave thee clothing of delight,” and “Gave thee such a tender voice,” is an example of anaphora. This device builds emphasis and creates a cumulative effect, highlighting the Creator’s abundant gifts.
Quotations for Deeper Exploration and Discussion
These lines from “The Lamb” offer excellent starting points for exploring the poem’s themes and engaging in thoughtful discussion:
“Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed.”
This opening encourages contemplation about creation, origins, and the source of life itself.
“He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.”
This pivotal line can spark rich discussions about symbolism, divine identity, and the profound connection between the innocent lamb and the divine Creator.
Conclusion
“The Lamb” is far more than a simple verse about an animal; it is a profound and tender exploration of faith, innocence, and the pervasive divine presence found throughout creation. Through its beautiful, accessible language and powerful symbolic imagery, William Blake extends an invitation to contemplate the very nature of God and humanity’s cherished place within the vast universe. By carefully examining the poem’s central themes and the literary devices Blake so skillfully employs, readers can unlock a deeper, more resonant appreciation for its enduring beauty, wisdom, and spiritual insight.