Songs of Experience: The Tyger 1794 - 1825

William Blake's "The Tyger," likely made with illuminated printing, presents us with a fierce emblem framed by his evocative poetry. The Tyger, radiant and formidable, immediately calls to mind the ancient symbolism of the tiger as a guardian spirit and a symbol of primal power. This image reverberates with echoes of mythical beasts from diverse cultures, seen in heraldry and folklore, each bearing attributes of strength and protection. But observe how Blake's Tyger differs. Its almost docile expression transforms the traditional symbol of might into a question of creation and intent. Consider the psychological undercurrent here. Blake's inclusion of the Tyger alongside his verses compels us to confront not only the aesthetic beauty but also the moral complexities inherent in such elemental force. It's a question that has resurfaced across the ages: How do we reconcile beauty with terror, creation with destruction? These cyclical inquiries into the nature of existence are continually reshaped by the anxieties and aspirations of each era.