1. The Question of Creation: Both poems explore the act of creation, but in starkly contrasting ways. "The Tyger" marvels at the ferocious beauty and power of the tiger, questioning the creator's intent: "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" This questions the duality of good and evil within creation. "London" focuses on the bleakness of human-made creations: "In every cry of every Man, / In every Infant's cry of fear," revealing the suffering and misery that permeates urban life.
2. The Role of Power and Authority: Both poems implicitly critique power structures. "The Tyger" implies that the creator, perhaps God, holds the power to create both beauty and terror. "London" explicitly criticizes the ruling class and their institutions, suggesting that they are responsible for the misery and suffering of the city's inhabitants.
3. The Presence of Darkness and Violence: "The Tyger" explores the inherent darkness and power within creation, while "London" focuses on the darkness of human-made suffering. In "London," the "black'ning church" symbolizes the hypocrisy of organized religion, and the "harlot's curse" represents the despair and degradation within the city.
4. The Impact of Industrialization and Urbanization: While "The Tyger" is a more symbolic poem, its theme of creation can be linked to the rapid industrialization of Blake's time. The creation of factories and cities, like the creation of the tiger, had both positive and negative impacts on society. "London," on the other hand, directly addresses the bleak realities of industrialization and urbanization, highlighting the misery and suffering that accompanied these advancements.
In essence, "The Tyger" and "London" provide contrasting perspectives on the nature of creation and its impact on human experience. While "The Tyger" grapples with the power and beauty of the natural world, "London" focuses on the dark realities of human-made society, highlighting the consequences of our own creations and the need for social change.