Summary:
Charles Lamb’s poem “On an Infant Dying as Soon as It Was Born” is a deeply emotional and philosophical reflection on the brief life of a new born who passes away immediately after birth. The poem explores themes of innocence, fate, and the transient nature of life.
Lamb presents the infant’s death as a release from the suffering and struggles of the world, portraying it as a soul untouched by pain or corruption. The tone is both sorrowful and contemplative, as the poet mourns the loss while also finding solace in the thought that the child has been spared from earthly hardships.
The poem resonates with a sense of quiet resignation, suggesting that the infant’s short-lived existence might be a merciful escape rather than a tragic loss. It reflects Lamb’s philosophical approach to life and death, blending grief with a sense of divine reasoning.

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Question | Answer |
Poem Name | On an Infant Dying as Soon as It Was Born |
Poet | Charles Lamb |
Poem Type | Lyrical elegy |
Main Theme | The fleeting nature of life and innocence |
Tone | Sorrowful and contemplative |
Subject of the Poem | A newborn who dies immediately after birth |
Literary Era | Romantic Era |
Key Literary Device Used | Metaphor and imagery |
Emotion Evoked | Grief and reflection |
Why Does the Poet Find Comfort in the Infant’s Death? | The baby is spared from worldly pain |
What Does the Poem Highlight? | The contrast between innocence and suffering |
Notable Feature | A philosophical perspective on death and fate |
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