"The Lamb" is a poem by William Blake, published in his collection "Songs of Innocence" in 1789. The poem is written in simple language and follows the form of a children's nursery rhyme. It consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines.
The poem tells the story of a lamb who is being asked questions by the speaker. The first stanza asks the lamb about its identity and the second stanza asks about its creator. The lamb responds to each question by saying that it is "meek and mild," suggesting that it is a gentle and innocent creature.
The first stanza begins with the question, "Little Lamb, who made thee?" The speaker is asking the lamb who created it and the lamb responds by saying, "He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb." This suggests that the lamb's creator is also a lamb, possibly symbolizing Jesus as the Lamb of God.
The second stanza asks, "Little Lamb, I'll tell thee, He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb." This suggests that the lamb's creator has the same name as the lamb, possibly again symbolizing Jesus as the Lamb of God. The final line of the poem is, "He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Child." This suggests that the lamb's creator is also a child, possibly symbolizing the childlike innocence and purity of Jesus.
Throughout the poem, Blake uses the image of the lamb to symbolize innocence and purity. The lamb's meek and mild nature suggests that it is a symbol of goodness and virtue. The reference to the lamb's creator being called a Lamb and a Child further emphasizes this theme of innocence and purity.
In conclusion, "The Lamb" is a simple and beautifully written poem that explores themes of innocence, purity, and the nature of creation. Blake's use of the image of the lamb as a symbol of these themes adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a timeless classic that continues to be appreciated and admired today.
