The Lily
The Lily - meaning Summary
Beauty Without Defense
Blake contrasts natural responses to danger to explore innocence and vulnerability. The rose and sheep are shown as defensive, bearing thorn and horn, while the white lily remains unarmed and delights in love. The poem suggests purity can be passive and unprotected, implying a moral or spiritual stance where beauty and innocence reject aggression. It invites reflection on whether vulnerability is a virtue or a liability in a harsh world.
Read Complete AnalysesThe modest Rose puts forth a thorn, The humble sheep a threat'ning horn: While the Lily white shall in love delight, Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.
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