Wiiliam Blake wrote a poem called The Tyger/Tiger.
First of all I want to know how it is spelt Tiger/Tyger?
Secondly what does sinews mean?
Lastly I what are the main themes?
Thanks
He spelled it "Tyger" for some reason even though normally we spell it "tiger." Do you think he meant to make it a somewhat mythical animal, not completely as we know tigers?
http://www.answers.com/sinew
http://www.google.com/search?q=blake+tyger&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
The poem is actually known as "The Tyger" by William Blake.
Now, to answer your questions:
1. The correct spelling of the poem's title is "The Tyger." Blake intentionally chose to use an archaic spelling of "tiger" by replacing the "i" with a "y" to evoke a sense of mystery and antiquity.
2. The word "sinews" refers to the tendons or strong fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones in the body. In the context of Blake's poem, sinews are mentioned in the following line: "And what shoulder, & what art, / Could twist the sinews of thy heart?" Here, sinews symbolize the strength and power exhibited by the creature being described, emphasizing its fierce nature.
3. "The Tyger" explores several main themes, including:
- Creation and Creator: The poem raises questions about the divine creator and the nature of creation. It reflects on the paradoxical aspects of God's creation, the beauty and the terror represented by the tiger.
- Good vs. Evil: The contrasting elements of fire and symmetry, darkness and light, and softness and hardness within the tiger provoke contemplation on the coexistence of both good and evil in the world.
- The Power of Imagination: Blake employs vivid imagery and powerful language throughout the poem to evoke the reader's imagination and provoke deeper thought. It encourages the reader to engage their imagination and contemplate the deeper meanings behind the symbolism used.
- Human Nature: "The Tyger" also touches on the human capacity for understanding and questioning the mysteries of existence, exploring the limits of knowledge and the complexities of the human mind.
These themes collectively contribute to the poem's exploration of the presence of both beauty and horror in the world, the nature of creation, the divine, and the relationship between humans and the universe.