6.1 Tennyson's narrative and lyric poetry

Tennyson's poetry captures the Victorian spirit, blending romantic ideals with modern anxieties. His works, from Arthurian legends to personal elegies, explore love, loss, and the human condition through lyrical language and dramatic monologues.

As a master of both narrative and lyric poetry, Tennyson's influence on British literature is profound. His ability to weave complex themes into accessible verse made him a beloved figure of his time and a lasting literary icon.

Tennyson's Life and Legacy

Biographical Details and Poetic Acclaim

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• Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was a prominent English poet of the Victorian era who held the position of Poet Laureate for much of Queen Victoria's reign (42 years)
• Born in Somersby, Lincolnshire, Tennyson began writing poetry at a young age and published his first collection, Poems by Two Brothers, at the age of 17
• Tennyson's early work was influenced by the Romantic poets, particularly John Keats, but he later developed his own distinct style characterized by his use of the dramatic monologue and lyric poetry
• He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1850 following the death of William Wordsworth, a position he held until his own death in 1892

Themes and Influences

• Tennyson's poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, reflecting the Victorian era's preoccupation with mortality and the fleeting nature of life
• His work was influenced by the scientific and technological advancements of the time, as well as the social and political changes occurring in Victorian England
• Tennyson's poetry also reflected the Victorian melancholy, a pervasive sense of sadness and introspection that characterized much of the literature and art of the period
• This melancholic tone can be seen in poems such as "Mariana" and "Tithonus," which explore themes of isolation, longing, and the inevitability of death

Arthurian Works

The Lady of Shalott

• "The Lady of Shalott" (1832) is a narrative poem based on the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Astolat, a young woman who dies of unrequited love for Sir Lancelot
• The poem tells the story of a woman who is cursed to weave a tapestry while watching the world through a mirror, forbidden to look directly out of her window
• When she catches a glimpse of Lancelot in her mirror, she leaves her tower to pursue him, ultimately leading to her death
• The poem explores themes of isolation, artistic creation, and the conflict between personal desire and societal expectations

Idylls of the King

• Idylls of the King (published between 1859 and 1885) is a cycle of twelve narrative poems that retell the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
• The poems cover various episodes from Arthurian legend, including the love story of Lancelot and Guinevere, the quest for the Holy Grail, and the ultimate downfall of Arthur's kingdom
• Tennyson's retelling of the Arthurian legend reflects Victorian values and concerns, such as the importance of duty, loyalty, and moral integrity
• The poems also explore the tension between the ideals of chivalry and the realities of human nature, as the knights struggle with their own weaknesses and desires

Other Notable Poems

In Memoriam A.H.H.

• "In Memoriam A.H.H." (1849) is a long elegiac poem written in memory of Tennyson's close friend Arthur Henry Hallam, who died suddenly at the age of 22
• The poem consists of 133 cantos and explores themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of death
• Tennyson grapples with questions of faith, science, and the nature of the universe, ultimately finding solace in the idea of the immortality of the soul and the belief in a loving God
• The poem is notable for its use of the In Memoriam stanza, a four-line stanza with an ABBA rhyme scheme that became a popular form for elegiac poetry

Ulysses

• "Ulysses" (1833) is a dramatic monologue in which the aging hero Ulysses (Odysseus) reflects on his past adventures and his desire to continue exploring the world
• The poem is often interpreted as a metaphor for the restless spirit of the Victorian age, with Ulysses representing the desire for knowledge, progress, and adventure
• Tennyson's Ulysses is a complex character who is both admirable in his thirst for experience and flawed in his apparent neglect of his responsibilities as a king and father
• The poem's famous closing lines, "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," have become a popular motto for those seeking to embrace life's challenges and pursue their dreams

Poetic Style and Technique

Mastery of the Dramatic Monologue

• Tennyson was a master of the dramatic monologue, a poetic form in which a single speaker addresses a silent audience, revealing their character and story through their words
• Dramatic monologues allow the poet to explore complex psychological states and create a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader
• Examples of Tennyson's dramatic monologues include "Ulysses," "Tithonus," and "St. Simeon Stylites"
• Through the use of this form, Tennyson was able to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters and explore universal themes in a deeply personal way

Lyrical Beauty and Musicality

• Tennyson's poetry is known for its lyrical beauty and musicality, with a focus on the sound and rhythm of the words as well as their meaning
• He often employed techniques such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition to create a sense of melody and harmony in his verses
• Tennyson's lyric poetry, such as "Break, Break, Break" and "Crossing the Bar," showcases his ability to evoke deep emotions through the use of vivid imagery and sonorous language
• The musical quality of Tennyson's poetry reflects his belief in the power of art to uplift and inspire, offering beauty and solace in the face of life's challenges