In a sense, the poet gazing upon the tiger has awakened him to everything positive and negative for which the tiger stands.

             Similarly, we have a character coming to a significant realization in Chopin's short story, "Desiree's Baby." With the characters in this story, we not only see just how powerful the truth can be but we also see how that power has the ability to destroy several lives at once. When Armand becomes aware of the truth, he experiences an "awful change" (Chopin 186) and transforms from a doting father into a man with "averted eyes from which the old love-light seemed to have gone out" (186) and whose essence contained "the very spirit of Satan " (186). The language here indicates that Armand will do something dreadful with his knowledge. In addition, Desiree comes to an appalling realization but it is Armand's reaction to his new knowledge that she cannot bear. .

             Both literary works share a somber mood emphasizing the danger associated with the possible negative effects of knowledge. While "The Tyger" represents the potential for danger, "Desiree's Baby" is the epitome of such danger. The language in each piece sets a solemn tone. For example, in "The Tyger," Blake writes:.

             Tyger, Tyger burning bright.

             In the forests of the night.

             What immortal hand or eye.

             Dare frame thy fearful symmetry. (Blake 21-4).

             Here the poet captures the essence of not only the animal, but in its creator. The tiger is not simply burning but he is burning bright, something the poet feels compelled to accentuate. In stressing this point, the poet forces us to see that the tiger exists in a world that is dangerous and dark. As a result, the image of a fiery tiger is contrasted with that of the dark world. This image brings us to understand the "fearful symmetry" (4) of which the poet speaks. The poet has pinpointed a balance that exists between the danger the tiger represents and its beauty. To ponder upon such a powerful combination requires a serious mood and frame of mind.