The Shepherd

The shepherd in the poem “The Shepherd” in Songs of Innocence symbolizes God as a guardian and protector. All day long he follows his sheep, here representing the people of the world, ensuring that they are safe and do not stray from the safety of the herd. Additionally, the line “and his tongue shall be filled with praise” is a reference to the perceived love and support of a godlike figure (5). The comforting presence of the shepherd as a guardian and protector is elaborated upon in the final two lines of the poem in which the speaker says, “He is watchful while they are in peace,/for they know when their shepherd is nigh” (5).

The Lamb

Throughout Songs of Innocence the lamb comes to symbolize the state of innocence itself. For example, in the poem “The Shepherd” Blake describes “the lamb’s innocent call” (5). Furthermore...