How far can we identify Tennyson with the hero for Maud?

Task 1

Many elements of Tennyson’s own life are reflected in Maud.

Research and make notes on the following:

• Hereditary melancholia and madness

• Bankruptcy and suicide
• Family feud
• Love in the face if snobbery and opposition
• Shattering of love
• Death and loss
• Materialism

How do these themes echo Tennyson’s own life?

Task 2

"Surely the voice of love never sang with a more passionate

sweetness than in this night-song. What ethereal luxury
and flower-like tenderness it has, and yet with what a pulse
and fire of passion it beats and glows!—"

This comment was made about ‘Maud’. Discuss how far you agree
and disagree with this statement? Write a summary of the ideas
you have discussed supporting your points with details from the
text.

Task 3

Complete the attached sheet – encouraging you to consider

Tennyson’s representation of women.

Remember to support your ideas with explicit links to the texts.

 Lady of Shallot Mariana Maud
In your opinion,
what kind of
woman is
represented in
this poem?

What other
interpretations
are there of the
women?

How is
language used
to describe
them and what
does this show?

Are there any

links to
Tennyson’s own
life experiences
in the
representation
of women?

How are the

poems
structured?
What might
this tell us
about the
women
featured?

Task 4

Research the representation of women in

Tennyson’s poetry and make notes based on
your findings (bullet points). You can use the
internet or the library (see reading list).

Task 5

Write a detailed response to the

following question:

Some critics think that Tennyson presents

women as powerless victims of a male-
dominated society. How far do you agree or
disagree with this statement?