The Tyger, a poem written by William Blake, is a powerful piece that uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's fascination and fear of the titular animal. The poem asks the titular question "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" and uses the image of the tiger, a fierce and dangerous predator, as a contrast to the gentle and innocent lamb.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the tiger's "fearful symmetry." The symmetry of the tiger's form is a physical characteristic, but it also suggests a balance or order to the tiger's nature. This symmetry is "fearful" because it inspires fear in the speaker and the reader, as the tiger is a formidable and deadly creature.
The poem also uses the image of the tiger's "fearful symmetry" to contrast with the innocence of the lamb. The lamb is a symbol of innocence and purity, while the tiger is a symbol of power and danger. The contrast between these two images highlights the complex and paradoxical nature of the tiger, as it is both beautiful and terrifying.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the tiger's eyes. The tiger's eyes are described as "burning bright," which suggests a fiery intensity and passion. The image of burning eyes is often used to convey intensity and emotion, and in this case, it suggests the tiger's fierce and unyielding nature.
The final image in the poem is the image of the tiger's creator. The speaker asks "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" This question suggests that the speaker is trying to understand the motivations of the tiger's creator. The contrast between the lamb and the tiger highlights the duality and complexity of the creator, as they are able to create both gentle and powerful beings.
Overall, The Tyger is a powerful poem that uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's fascination and fear of the titular animal. The images of the tiger's "fearful symmetry," burning eyes, and the contrast with the lamb all contribute to the poem's impact and help the reader understand the speaker's feelings about the tiger.