Evil Embers

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Recommended: The relationship between good and evil

One of the most fundamental and basic philosophical questions that is frequently asked but never seems to evoke answers is what is the essence of good? What defines evil? These two auras dominate our world and culture, can be found in the most basic of conversation, from peasant to president, and yet no one can truly define them. In the poem “The Tyger” by William Blake, he makes an attempt to illustrate his feelings on evil and all that it represents. There is no definite answer given, yet a picture is painted to show us his thoughts and ponderings. His foresight and enlightened point of view only serve to further strengthen the knowledge of the reader on the mystical forces we have simply dubbed good and evil.

It is extremely important to understand our author William Blake (1757-1827), to form a base or foundation for the basis of all the research to be done on this particular poem. Described as odd by many of his colleagues and peers, Blake blended into the crowd of other romantic poets such as Mary Shelley and Percy Shelley (Merriman ). From the very beginnings of his creation, Blake claimed an essentially prophetic being, boasting his ability to “talk to God and have frequent conversations with his late brother Robert (Merriman ).” But besides his strange dementia infused state of being, Blake was a brilliant man. His contrasting books of Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience are literary masterpieces. “The Tyger” was but a shroud of his amazing range of art. He brilliantly stated “As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers ("Brainy Quote").” His understanding of our world was simply put, amazing.

Along with his intellectual and personal lifestyle, we must understand the times this man was en...

... middle of paper ...

...is topic. And yet the open-endedness of the discussion leaves too many holes and rips for the common man. To accept this foolish feeling, to be enlightened to the point of the ignorant realization that all is inevitable, all is tiresome and mind boggling. While the Tyger burns bright, our knowledge, understanding, and essentially our whole selves diminishes and fades into the abyss, knowing nothing of what we wish to know.

Works Cited
Merriman, C.D. William Blake. East Lansing, MI: Jalic. Inc, 2006. Print.

Wood, Kerry Michael. "Poetry Analysis: "The Tyger"." (2007): n. pag. Web. 15 Mar 2010. .

"Brainy Quote: William Blake." Brainy Quote. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar 2010. .

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