Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on figurative language. Blake never directly states his topic in “The Tyger”, but relies on metaphors to convey his message. Students will need to determine the metaphorical meaning of the tiger itself, as well as several other terms in order to understand the poem. In this storyboard, students will identify elements of the poem that are intended figuratively and explain their significance through images and text.
Explanation of Metaphors in “The Tyger”
Tiger
The tiger represents evil. Like a tiger, evil is powerful, but terrifying.
Lamb
The Lamb represents innocence and goodness. It is a reference both to the lamb as a meek, gentle animal, and to Jesus, referred to in the Bible as the Lamb of God.
Blacksmith
The blacksmith represents the creator of the tiger, a supernatural force that might be God or the devil.
Wings
Wings represent the daring spirit of the creator. He seems to have gone too far and flown too high in creating such a creature as the tiger. The creature seems to be abusing his power.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different metaphors in "The Tyger".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify metaphors in the poem and put them in the title boxes.
- Describe what each metaphor means in the descriptions.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on figurative language. Blake never directly states his topic in “The Tyger”, but relies on metaphors to convey his message. Students will need to determine the metaphorical meaning of the tiger itself, as well as several other terms in order to understand the poem. In this storyboard, students will identify elements of the poem that are intended figuratively and explain their significance through images and text.
Explanation of Metaphors in “The Tyger”
Tiger
The tiger represents evil. Like a tiger, evil is powerful, but terrifying.
Lamb
The Lamb represents innocence and goodness. It is a reference both to the lamb as a meek, gentle animal, and to Jesus, referred to in the Bible as the Lamb of God.
Blacksmith
The blacksmith represents the creator of the tiger, a supernatural force that might be God or the devil.
Wings
Wings represent the daring spirit of the creator. He seems to have gone too far and flown too high in creating such a creature as the tiger. The creature seems to be abusing his power.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different metaphors in "The Tyger".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify metaphors in the poem and put them in the title boxes.
- Describe what each metaphor means in the descriptions.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Identify Metaphors in “The Tyger”
How to Teach Students to Create Their Own Metaphors Inspired by “The Tyger”
Encourage students to brainstorm objects or animals that could symbolize abstract ideas, just like Blake uses the tiger. Link their choices to emotions or concepts such as courage, curiosity, or fear. This helps students practice figurative thinking and see metaphor in everyday life.
Guide students to connect their metaphor to a clear message
Ask students to decide what message or theme they want their metaphor to convey. Provide sentence frames like 'The fox represents...' or 'The river stands for...' to make linking their metaphor to a deeper meaning easier.
Model how to illustrate the metaphor visually
Demonstrate how to use simple sketches or digital tools to represent their chosen metaphor. Show examples of how images can reinforce abstract ideas, making the figurative meaning more memorable for students.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback
Organize quick partner or small group discussions where students share their metaphors and illustrations. Encourage classmates to offer supportive feedback and ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding.
Encourage students to write a short explanation of their metaphor
Have students write a brief paragraph explaining their metaphor’s literal and figurative meanings. Focus on clarity and insight to help students practice expressing complex ideas in simple language.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identify Metaphors in “The Tyger”
What are the main metaphors in “The Tyger” by William Blake?
“The Tyger” uses metaphors like the tiger (evil), the lamb (innocence), the blacksmith (creator), and wings (daring spirit or power) to express deeper meanings about good, evil, and creation.
How can students identify metaphors in “The Tyger”?
Students can identify metaphors by looking for words or phrases that describe something as symbolic, not literal. In “The Tyger,” terms like tiger, lamb, blacksmith, and wings all carry figurative meaning beyond their surface definition.
What does the tiger represent in Blake’s poem?
In Blake’s poem, the tiger is a metaphor for evil—something powerful and frightening, embodying the darker side of creation.
What is a simple storyboard activity for teaching metaphors in “The Tyger”?
Create a storyboard by placing each metaphor (like tiger, lamb, blacksmith, wings) in title boxes, describing their meanings, and illustrating each with drawings or images that show their figurative significance.
Why does Blake use a blacksmith as a metaphor in “The Tyger”?
The blacksmith symbolizes the creator’s power and mystery, hinting that the force behind the tiger could be divine or even sinister, raising questions about the nature of creation.
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