Student Activities for The Tyger
Essential Questions for ”The Tyger”
- How can we explain the presence of evil in the world?
- How does Blake use imagery to craft tone and convey a message?
- In what ways is the tiger portrayed as both positive and negative? What could this suggest about the natural world?
Brief Summary of The Tyger
Blake published his first book of poetry, Songs of Innocence, in 1789. The poems dealt with lighthearted topics and celebrated images of pastoral happiness. Five years later, he published Songs of Experience, a book of poems addressing the darker aspects of life. He described his poems as creative ways of addressing the “two contrary states of the human soul”. “The Tyger”, which belongs to Songs of Experience is often compared to “The Lamb”, its counterpart from Songs of Innocence. While “The Lamb” has a simple, clear message of faith and hope, “The Tyger” is more troubling, which is perhaps why it is considered the more intriguing of the two poems.
Blake makes use of both Christian tradition and Classical mythology in “The Tyger”. Students may benefit from a little background on these topics to better understand the poem. According to Christian tradition, God created the universe and placed angels at the top of his hierarchy. From the ranks of the angels, Lucifer rebelled against God, initiated a battle in the heavens, and eventually exiled himself to hell as the devil. In a sense then, God created Satan. This battle is referenced in the poem’s line “when the stars threw down their spears.” The “wings” that “dare” in line six also evoke Lucifer’s fall along with a possible connection to the Greek figure Icarus. The images of fire suggest an allusion to the myth of Prometheus while the blacksmith metaphor evokes the story of Hephaestus. Because of its rich allusions, “The Tyger” pairs well with class readings of Paradise Lost or the myths of Icarus, Prometheus, and Hephaestus.
How Tos about The Tyger by William Blake
Engage students with a creative classroom performance of 'The Tyger'
Bring 'The Tyger' to life by organizing a dramatic reading or performance with your students. Encourage voice expression and movement to deepen their understanding of the poem’s mood and themes.
Assign parts and set expectations for the performance
Divide students into small groups and assign each a stanza or line. Clarify your expectations for expressive reading, volume, and respectful listening so everyone feels confident and included.
Guide students to analyze mood and tone before practicing
Discuss the feelings and imagery in each section of the poem. Help students identify emotions and tone so they can reflect these in their voices and gestures during rehearsal.
Incorporate simple props or visuals to enhance engagement
Encourage creativity by letting students use props like orange paper flames or tiger masks. Visual elements make the experience memorable and help students connect with the poem’s symbolism.
Reflect together on the performance and connect to literary analysis
Lead a post-performance discussion about how dramatic reading changed their view of the poem. Ask questions like: What did you notice about the tiger’s portrayal? How did performing affect your understanding of imagery and mood?
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tyger by William Blake
What is the meaning of 'The Tyger' by William Blake?
'The Tyger' explores the coexistence of good and evil, questioning how a single creator could make both beauty and horror. The poem uses imagery and allusions to delve into spiritual and philosophical themes.
How can teachers introduce 'The Tyger' to younger students?
Teachers can begin with the poem’s repetitive style and short length, focusing on surface-level understanding before guiding students toward deeper analysis using metaphors, imagery, and allusions.
What are some key literary devices used in 'The Tyger'?
Blake uses imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and allusion to create tone and convey complex ideas about good, evil, and creation in 'The Tyger'.
How does 'The Tyger' compare to 'The Lamb' in Blake’s poetry?
'The Tyger' is darker and more complex, exploring troubling questions about evil, while 'The Lamb' offers a simple, hopeful message. Both poems reflect Blake’s theme of the 'two contrary states of the human soul'.
What lesson activities can help students analyze 'The Tyger'?
Effective activities include close reading of imagery, comparing 'The Tyger' to 'The Lamb', exploring religious and mythological allusions, and discussing essential questions about good and evil.
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