The Tyger

Summary

This poem explores the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of the tiger, questioning the mysterious and divine forces that must have shaped such a powerful creature. Through vivid imagery and repetitive questioning, it delves into the complexity and beauty of the tiger's form, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world. It probes the duality of creation, pondering whether the same force that created such gentleness as a lamb could also bring forth the tiger's fierce power. The poem reflects on the notion of creation as an act of both artistic skill and physical might, and invites the reader to contemplate the grand design of existence.

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Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye.
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare sieze the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat.
What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp.
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

When the stars threw down their spears
And water’d heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright.
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye.
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?