William Blake was an influential English poet who lived during the Romantic period (mid/late-18th century). Born in 1757, Blake was one of the great poets of this time, creating poetry not only with words, but also by using visual images to provide the reader a unique way of understanding/interpreting his words. Blake printed his poetry on illuminated plates which actually aided the reader in seeing what he was feeling. This aspect of his artistic methods would be compared today to story books or nursery rhymes written and illustrated for children. Or they could also be compared to some animated movies or cartoons of our time. Emotional boundaries were torn down with his poems. Blake used his personal spirituality and knowledge of theology to enhance his works. Along with his spiritual perspective he added a simplistic and comforting choice of words. .
One very sweet poem; "The Lamb", Blake meant to give the reader a sense of comfort and joy. "By the stream & o'er the mead;/ Gave thee clothing of delight,/Softest clothing wooly bright" (Blake,4-6). As well as a sense of wonder while asking the question "Little Lamb, who made thee?/Dost thou know who made thee?" (Blake,1-2). Another poem of Blake's that was written quite differently but with the same enthusiasm and artistic flare as his others is one called "The Tyger." This poem was written to show the other side to that of "The Lamb." .
The poem about the lamb was one of innocence and the good side of spirituality that most mothers probably recited to their children back then to sound like a song or nursery rhyme to soothe the child as they tried to fall asleep. The connection of the child with the lamb represents how they might have taught the children about Heaven and Jesus as well as God. In "The Tyger", the diction was much different. This poem was most likely used to teach the young children about the darker side of the world at that time.
