The poem talks about a tiger. The tiger shines brightly in the dark forest, like it is burning with fire. The speaker is amazed by the tiger’s beauty and power. He wonders who could have made such a strong and fearsome animal. The poet/speaker asks many questions about the tiger’s creation. He imagines that the tiger’s eyes have fire in them. He asks what kind of powerful hand was brave enough to create such a creature.

He also thinks about the heart of the tiger—who gave it life and strength? What tools were used to make its body and brain? The speaker feels both wonder and fear when he looks at the tiger. Finally, the speaker asks—did the same God who made the gentle lamb also make this dangerous tiger? He wonders who could dare to make this fearful tiger. It shows that the world has both beauty and danger, and that both come from the same creator.