Alfred Lord Tennyson

Definition

Alfred Lord Tennyson was a prominent British poet and the Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign, known for his lyrical and dramatic poetry. His works often explore themes of nature, love, and loss, reflecting the Victorian era's complexities and anxieties. Tennyson's innovative use of meter and sound, combined with rich imagery, made him one of the most celebrated poets of his time and a key figure in Victorian poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tennyson was born on August 6, 1809, in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England, and became one of the most influential poets of the Victorian period.
2. He gained widespread recognition with his poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' which captures the valor and tragedy of soldiers in battle during the Crimean War.
3. Tennyson's poetry often reflects the tension between faith and doubt, particularly in the face of scientific discoveries and societal changes during the Victorian era.
4. He was made a baron in 1884, becoming Alfred Lord Tennyson, a title that elevated his status as a leading literary figure in England.
5. Tennyson's work has had a lasting impact on literature, influencing later poets such as W. B. Yeats and T. S. Eliot with his themes and stylistic innovations.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Lord Tennyson's role as Poet Laureate influence his writing and themes during the Victorian era?
  • As Poet Laureate, Tennyson had a platform to address significant national events and cultural issues through his poetry. His position allowed him to respond to public sentiment regarding topics like war, loss, and national identity. This connection to contemporary events often infused his work with a sense of urgency and relevance, as he sought to reflect both personal experiences and broader societal concerns in his poetry.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Idylls of the King' in understanding Tennyson's views on heroism and morality within Victorian society.
  • 'The Idylls of the King' is crucial for understanding Tennyson's exploration of heroism and moral dilemmas against the backdrop of a changing society. Through the retelling of Arthurian legends, he grapples with ideals such as chivalry and honor while simultaneously exposing the fragility of these concepts in a modern context. This work illustrates how Tennyson used myth to reflect on contemporary issues like leadership, integrity, and the consequences of human actions.
• Analyze how Tennyson's treatment of grief in 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' reflects larger Victorian themes related to faith and existential inquiry.
  • 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' delves deep into Tennyson's personal grief following the death of his friend Arthur Hallam while simultaneously addressing broader Victorian anxieties about faith amidst scientific progress. The poem illustrates a journey through despair towards acceptance and reconciliation with loss, mirroring societal struggles with belief systems. Through this exploration, Tennyson articulates a collective existential inquiry that resonates with readers facing their own uncertainties about life and faith during a time of rapid change.

Related terms

Poet Laureate: An honorary position appointed by the monarch, traditionally reserved for a poet who is expected to compose verses for special occasions.

The Idylls of the King: A series of narrative poems by Tennyson that retell the legends of King Arthur and his knights, reflecting themes of chivalry, heroism, and moral values.

In Memoriam A.H.H.: A long poem written by Tennyson in memory of his close friend Arthur Hallam, which explores themes of grief, love, and the search for meaning in loss.