ENGLISH: Romantic Literature | B.A Prog/Hons Semester 3rd Notes

Q1. (a) Write a short note on the "Lamb" from Blake's Songs of Innocence.

Answer -

Introduction

William Blake's poem "The Lamb, "published in Songs of Innocence in 1789. In this poem author tells about gentle and joyful reflection on the innocence of childhood and creation. Thus, the lamb in the poem symbolizes purity, goodness, and is often associated with Jesus Christ, who is called "The Lamb of God" in the Bible. Blake uses simple language and imagery to express the idea that both the lamb and its creator share qualities of kindness and innocence.

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About the Author
William blake, bom in london on 28 november 1757, was a poet, artist, and visionary. Though he had little formal schooling, he showed great artistic talent from a young age. His works often explored deep spiritual themes and expressed his vivid imagination, where he claimed to see visions of God and angels. Despite facing struggles and limited success during his lifetime, Blake is now recognized as a creative genius. He produced a diverse and symbolically rich collection of works as "The Lamb"

Short note on the "Lamb" from Blake's Songs of Innocence:

This poem is rooted in Christian beliefs and moves from the image of the Good Shepherd, who cares for lost sheep, to a key idea in Christianity: that God became human and lived on earth as a man, gentle and mild like a lamb. Blake focuses not on Jesus as an adult, but on Jesus as a child. In this poem, the child, the lamb, and Christ are connected, showing a special, sacred view of life.

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In the above stanza, the speaker is addressing a small lamb, asking it if it knows who created it. The speaker is curious about who gave the lamb life and told it to eat and grow. It's a simple way of expressing wonder about the lamb's existence and the care it receives from its creator

In the above stanza, the speaker describes how the lamb lives by the stream and in the meadow. They mention that the lamb was given beautiful clothing made of soft, bright wool. The speaker also says that the lamb has a gentle voice that brings joy to the valleys around it. Overall, this part emphasizes how the lamb is well taken care of and how it brings happiness to its surroundings.

In the above stanza, the speaker is again talking to the little lamb, asking if it knows who created it. Then, the speaker promises to tell the lamb who made it. This shows the speaker's eagerness to share the answer, creating a sense of connection and curiosity between them and the lamb.

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In the above stanza, the speaker explains that the creator of the lamb is also called a "Lamb," which refers to Jesus. The speaker describes Jesus as gentle and kind, like a little child. The speaker compares themselves to a child and the lamb to emphasize their innocence and connection to each other. This shows how both the speaker and the lamb are part of the same gentle and loving nature that Jesus represents.

In the above stanza, the speaker says that they are also called by the name of Jesus, just like the lamb. They wish blessings upon the little lamb, repeating "God bless thee" to show care and affection. This emphasizes a connection between the speaker, the lamb, and God, highlighting the idea of love and protection.

Symbolism Of The Lamb' by Blake:

• Blake's Unique Symbols and Beliefs: Blake created his own symbols and worldview because he was unsatisfied with existing beliefs. He valued imagination over reason, seeing figures like Urizen (representing cold reason) and Los (representing imagination) as crucial to understanding life. Although he used Christian symbols, Blake was critical of traditional Christianity and saw God differently, particularly contrasting Jehovah with Jesus Christ.
• Role of the Poet: Blake viewed himself as a Poet-Prophet, believing that his words
  were inspired by the divine. He saw poetry as a way to connect people with God and bring about personal transformation. For Blake, true expression is essential for a fulfilling life, and he believed that by listening to his poetry, people could renew their spirits and achieve a deeper understanding of humanity and divinity.

Conclusion
The Lamb highlights the connection between childhood innocence, divine creation, and the purity of nature, emphasizing God's nurturing aspects. Through simplicity and repetition, Blake conveys the sacredness of the natural world, uniting humanity and the divine. A unique thinker, Blake valued imagination over strict reasoning, using Christian themes while challenging traditional beliefs. He portrayed God in his own symbolic way, reflecting his distinct views on life and spirituality.

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