Summary: The Lamb | English Class 4 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

"The Lamb" is a beautiful and simple poem written by William Blake, a well-known English poet and artist. This poem is part of his collection called "Songs of Innocence." In the poem, a speaker talks to a lamb, asking it questions about who created it. The poem uses easy words and a gentle tone, making it perfect for young readers to understand. It helps children think about the beauty of nature, the gifts given to living creatures, and the idea of a kind creator who made everything.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem is about a person asking a lamb questions about its creator.
• It explains the wonderful things given to the lamb, like life, food, wool, and a gentle voice.
• The poem encourages children to think about who made them and the world around them.
• It was written by William Blake, a famous English poet and painter.

Summary

Stanza 1

Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life and bid thee feed.
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,

This stanza begins with the speaker asking the lamb who made it and if it knows its creator. The speaker points out that the lamb was given life and told to eat by its maker. The lamb finds its food near a small river and across a grassy field. It also has soft, bright wool that acts as its clothing, which is a special gift from its creator.

Stanza 2

Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

In this stanza, the speaker continues to describe the lamb’s gifts. The wool is described as the softest and brightest clothing. The lamb also has a gentle and loving voice that brings happiness to the valleys. The speaker repeats the earlier questions, asking again who made the lamb and if it knows its creator, showing curiosity and wonder.

Message

The poem teaches children to think about the creator of all living things, including themselves and the lamb. It encourages them to feel grateful for the beautiful gifts like life, food, and a happy voice, and to discuss these ideas with friends.

New Words with Meanings

• Thee: An old-fashioned way of saying "you".
• Dost: An old-fashioned way of saying "do".
• Thou: An old-fashioned way of saying "you".
• Bid: An old-fashioned way of saying "told".
• Stream: A small river where water flows.
• O'er: An old-fashioned way of saying "over".
• Mead: A meadow, which is a field with grass.
• Tender: Gentle and loving, showing care and kindness.
• Vale: A valley, a low area between hills.
• Rejoice: To feel happy and full of joy.