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.
Understanding “The Lamb”
William Blake’s “The Lamb” is a deceptively simple poem, a cornerstone of his Songs of Innocence collection. It’s a beautiful exploration of creation, faith, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem isn’t simply about a lamb; it uses the lamb as a symbol to explore deeper religious and philosophical ideas. It asks fundamental questions about who or what created the world around us and how we understand our place within it. At its heart, “The Lamb” presents the idea that God’s creative power is evident even in the most gentle and innocent creatures.
What’s the Poem About?
The poem begins with a childlike inquiry directed at a lamb: “Little Lamb who made thee?” This question is not merely about the lamb’s origin but serves as a starting point for contemplating the Creator. The speaker then answers the question, revealing that the Creator is also like a lamb—gentle, meek, and ultimately a child. This connection is vital: Blake suggests that God is not a distant, imposing figure but rather embodies the innocence and vulnerability we see in a lamb and a child. The poem ends with a blessing, reinforcing the sense of peace and divine presence.
Central Idea and Key Knowledge
The central idea of “The Lamb” is the inherent goodness of creation and the accessibility of God through nature and innocence. Blake believed that true faith could be found not in rigid dogma, but in recognizing the divine spark within all living things.
It’s important to know that Blake wrote this poem as part of a larger project—Songs of Innocence and of Experience—which explores contrasting states of the human soul. “The Lamb” represents innocence, while later poems, often paired with it, explore the darker aspects of life.
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 repeated questions, creating a sense of wonder and childlike curiosity. Notice how Blake emphasizes the gifts the Creator has bestowed upon the lamb: life, nourishment (“bid thee feed”), shelter, and even a beautiful voice. The imagery is pastoral and idyllic—“stream,” “mead,” and “vales”—painting a picture of peaceful harmony. The repetition of “Little Lamb who made thee” isn’t simply rhetorical; it’s an invitation for the reader to join in the contemplation of the Creator. For example, the line “Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing woolly bright” uses vivid imagery to showcase the lamb’s simple joy and emphasize the Creator’s loving provision.
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 provides the answer to the initial questions. The revelation that the Creator “calls himself a Lamb” is a direct allusion to Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “Lamb of God” in Christian theology. This connection is crucial to understanding Blake’s message. The Creator isn’t some distant, abstract being; He is empathetic, vulnerable, and embodies gentleness. The lines “He became a little child” and “I a child & thou a lamb” establish a connection between the speaker, the lamb, and the divine. This suggests that innocence and vulnerability are pathways to understanding God. Notice the use of the pronoun “We” to establish unity and shared identity, and the closing lines, “Little Lamb, God bless thee,” serve as a tender blessing and a culmination of the poem’s theme of divine presence in all creation.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Lamb”
Key Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The lamb is the central symbol, representing innocence, gentleness, and divine grace.
- Allusion: The poem alludes to Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God,” enriching its theological meaning.
- Imagery: Blake uses vivid imagery—“stream,” “mead,” “woolly bright”—to create a pastoral and idyllic setting.
- Repetition: The repeated questions and blessings emphasize key themes and create a lyrical rhythm.
Poetic Devices at Play
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme, creating a musical and memorable effect.
- Stanza Structure: The two quatrain stanzas provide a concise and balanced structure.
- End Rhyme: The use of end rhyme contributes to the poem’s lyrical quality and memorability.
- Refrain: The repeated phrase “Little Lamb” acts as a refrain, reinforcing the central image and theme.
- Enjambment: While subtle, the use of enjambment (running a sentence from one line to the next) creates a smooth flow and encourages the reader to continue.
Quotations for Teaching and Discussion
These lines are perfect for exploring the poem’s themes with younger audiences:
“Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed.”
This encourages children to think about creation and where things come from.
“He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.”
This line can spark a discussion about symbolism and the connection between the lamb and Jesus.
Conclusion
“The Lamb” is more than just a simple poem about a cute animal. It’s a profound exploration of faith, innocence, and the divine presence in all of creation. Through its beautiful language and symbolic imagery, Blake invites us to contemplate the nature of God and our place within the universe. By understanding the poem’s themes and literary devices, we can unlock a deeper appreciation for its enduring beauty and wisdom.