Discussion Topic
Differences in Attitude, Tone, and Imagery Between "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience"
Summary:
"Songs of Innocence" features a tone of childlike wonder, optimism, and simplicity, using pastoral imagery and bright, cheerful language. In contrast, "Songs of Experience" adopts a more somber and critical tone, highlighting the harsh realities of life with darker, more complex imagery and language. Together, they explore the dichotomy between the innocence of youth and the wisdom gained through experience.
What differences in tone and imagery are found in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience?
Blake's "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" are good poems to use for this question since they contrast ideas and images. In "The Lamb," Blake creates a soft tone by through the images of peace and innocence. The "tender voice" is later characterized as "meek" and "mild" creates an image of a being that is delicate and pure. In contrast, "The Tyger" develops a fiery, frightful tone through descriptions of the tiger as a powerful creature. The speaker in this poem questions the nature of the creator of this beast--the tiger seems too overwhelming to have been crafted by anything/anyone. So the two poems provide contrasting images and tones as do the other poems in Blake's two collections.
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