Questions on "The Lamb"

Comment on the auditory effects of the poem

The diction Blake uses contributes to the auditorily pleasing effect of the poem. Most of the words in the poem are mono-syllabic, which highlights its simplistic nature which in turn emphasizes the innocence and pureness of the lamb. The endings of each line are usually soft and long and coupled with a pleasing vowel sound reflects upon the lamb's innocence and in addition adds a comforting effect. This for example is illustrated in the lines:
"Gave thee life and bid thee feed / By the stream and o'er the mead"


How does the rhyme scheme add to the reading of the poem?

The rhyme scheme "AABB" gives the poem a sense on continuity; it flows smoothly without any disruptions. which again adds to the pleasant and calming effect. It makes the readers feel soothed and relaxed upon listening to it being read.


What does the imagery suggest about Blake's view of the Lamb?

The visual imagery portrayed in this poem are very pastoral. This highlights the innocence of the lamb as readers get a picture of an idyllic habitat in which it lives in. Blake views the lamb as a creature of innocence but at the same time also vulnerable. This is emphasized through his use of diction such as the word "softest", which is used to describe the lamb's lavish coat of fur. This suggested that the lamb is pampered and provided with the best form of protection for its body. Additionally, the word "tender", which is used to describe its voice depicts an image of a child who has not been exposed to the harsh and real world yet.


What literary devices add to the pleasant effect of the poem?

The use of assonance, the repetition of the 'e' sound is especially emphasized in the second stanza. The sound is akin to the bleating of a lamb, and is also a sound associated with happiness and cheerfulness. Also, the diction used to describe the lamb in the poem makes the lamb appear non-threatening and harmless as there are no negative connotations implied by any of the words in the poem. The use of capitalization in the poem is significant. The capitalization of "Lamb" and "God" suggests that they are both interrelated to each other and are of equal importance. Also, the use of the epithet "Little Lamb" emphasizes the lamb's innocence both physically (how it is young) and mentally (how it is vulnerable)


What is the effect of indentation and the use of rhetorical questions?

The use of indentation is to split the poem into two parts; the first part from lines 1 to 10, and the second from lines 11 to 20. The first part of the poem consists of rhetorical questions while the second part provides answers to the questions that are posted. I think the significance of this is to bring the attention to the readers that there is only one answer for all the questions asked, and it is clearly God. The increased use of punctuation, namely full-stops in the second part of the poem gives a degree of finality to the answer, as though it is not to be questioned further or debated. Rhetorical questions in this poem are used to emphasize the power of God as He is the creator of the lamb and the environment in which the lamb dwells. It is as though the poetic voice is asking the lamb how it came to be and the fact that the lamb is unable to answer highlights how innocent and inexperienced it is.

Identify the tone in the poem

A didactic tone is present in the poem, especially in the second part of the poem. It is as though the poetic voice is educating the Little Lamb about the power of God and His creations. There is also a tranquil and serene tone present which gives off a comforting and soothing effect, as though the readers are being told a story due to the poem's hymn-like nature.

Pondering on the craft of literature

One of the main elements of the final exam paper in Paper 2 is for students to show that they have a solid and knowledgeable understanding of what the craft of literature involves - its amazing variety in construction, theme, purpose.

IB English A1 students were asked to come up with questions to ask a visiting writer about the craft of writing. Their thoughtful and insightful questions follow. (Note -some questions were merged as they were similar in idea)

Mai - When crafting your work, do you know straight away where you want your written work to go or do you discover that when you are writing?
Do you base your work on personal viewpoints or try to tackle issues beyond your perspective?
What would you say is the most important thing to consider when crafting new ideas for your writing?
Dung - What elements make good literature?
Rhys – What made you choose novels as a form of expression over music, drama or writing film?
Lillian – In your opinion, what does a good novel comprise of?
How long does it usually take to you to complete a novel?
May – How long have you been writing literature? Why did you start?
What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered so far in your career?
Christian – What is the hardest thing about crafting literature?
Are your stories inspired by true life experiences of your friends and family?
Are there certain things you have difficulty writing about and why?
Are your protagonist mainly men or women? Why?
Frances – What happens when you finish writing a story – do you decide when it ends? Does a story ever end?
Anahita – Does punctuation play a large role in shaping your work? Do you think of the tone before you think about the storyline?
What usually inspires you to write?
Ruben – Do you write for pleasure or to deliver a message?
Do you hope to teach a moral through your work?
Do you write on your own or like to share your ideas with others?
Where do your ideas come from?
Do you think about your audience when you are writing?
Julia – When researching the setting of a place do you visit it?
Do you plan everything before you write it or do you let things evolve?
What comes first for you? – character, theme or storyline?