Discuss Tennyson as a Victorian Romantic poet with reference to the

poems included in syllabus.

Alfred Tennyson, a literal titan of 18th century is remeniscised for his great yet save

and decisive poetic expedition from the realm of Romanticism to the realm of Victorianism.

A century half divided in poetic ideologies was integrated in poetic diction of Tennyson.

Where the first half of his poetic endeavor was greatly inspired and repleted with

Romantic essence i:e imagination,nostalgia for past,melancholy and subjectivity, his 2nd half of

poetic diction speaks volumns of Victorian prejudice and oppression.

Being a grown up to a Romantic environment,Tennyson followed the footsteps of his

Romantic precursors including Coledridge,Keats,Byron,Shelley and Wordsworth.Thus the

romantic impression and style was evident in his early publications like that of “Lotus Eaters

“and“ St Ages Eve” in 1832 and 1837 respectively. Tennyson’s initial poetic style and diction

was greatly inspired by Keatsian Lyricism, language and idealism. But, He did not imitated him

directly rather drew an analogy between both. His poetic style, diction and meter envisage

Keatsian idealism, medievalism and classicism. It would not be wrong to say that Keats is the

immediate forerunner of Tennyson and he is indebted to Keats for his style and language.

One of the most striking poem written in early poetic phase of Tennyson is “St Eves” an

epitome of Keatsian sensuality and passion but in pure and holistic context of Tennyson.Thus,

this poem is a more like a rejoinder to keat`s The Eve of St Ages than an imitation. Tennyson

like Keats gives poem a freezing opening and an eloquent and holistic verbal tone is maintained

throughout the poem in contrast to the strong warmth and sensuality of Keats poem.
 Deep on the convent-roofs of the snows

Are sparkling to the moon

My breath to heaven like vapors goes

May my soul follow soon!

In Keats poem Porphyro is described as a

“Ethernel, flushed and throbbing star “

and the union of nun with beadsmen in Tennyson’s poem is described in similar terms of warmth

but a sense of purity and virginity is maintained.

Draw me thy bride, a glittering star

In a raiment white and clean.

Similary,in Lotus Eater, there is a apt use of imagery by Tennson which echos of keats

influence on him is treat for eyes and minds of readers.The heroic adventures coming on the

dream island and succumbing to a mood of sad-sweet dream represents the fate of heroic themes

when they step in his poetic world.

All around the coast languid air did swoon

Brathing like one that hath a weary dream

This explicit use of natural imagery speaks of his romantic ideals admiration.

Despite the fact,Tennyson polished his earlier poetic style and diction in the Romantic essence

he never overlooked the prevalent stigmas and prejudices of Victorian era which he witnessed
and delineated in his writings. He stands among prominent nationalists of his age who

endeavoured to exquisitely incorporate the malfunctions of their society and attempted to

resolved them through their writings.

The Victorian age is likewise set apart with a note of negativity and dissatisfaction.

Individuals of the age felt depleted with their endless test of skill and endurance and ached for an

existence of settled request, steadiness and harmony. Tennyson mirrors this pattern of the period

in his sonnet "The Lotos-Eaters". Here we see that in the wake of coming to the lotus island and

eating lotus organic products, the sailors are captivated by the quiet and calm climate of the

island. Although still they have far to go to arrive at their country, they wish to travel or battle no

more and plan to live in this island in a condition of perpetual rest, harmony and serenity. They

express their sicken at the incredibly toilsome life which they have so far lived.

Hateful is the dark blue sky

Vaulted over the dark blue sea,

Death is the end of life,ah,Why

Should life all labour be?

The poem is taking a gander at human plight and its interest centers in the crises

between the sense of responsibility and desire to dwell in pleasure.At the same time it empress

dissatisfaction with the Victorian passion for the progress. The fighters disregard all social duty;

languorously they try to lose themselves in a "half-dream" of quietude. They begrudge the

characteristic suddenness. The very language structures are additionally long and grieving. This
poem displays numerous shows characteristics and sound imagery. The choric melody of the

subsequent part is about the impact of inaction upon Odysseus' bold officers.

The dull and marvelous life of Victorians emboided in the bluntness inciting air of

the island is strengthened by the sound imagery of chronic and eloqulent melody bringing upon a

romantic flavour, of which Tennyson is an ideal ace.The sound of the words like pale, gentle

likewise strengthens the importance and impact of the hushing air.

This poem is a profound blend of Tenyysons Romantic style and his Vicotrian

ideologies . Tennyson's flight from the realm of Romanticism to the realm of Victorianism is a

fantastic, safe and decisive one, for which he is remembered to be bridging a whole century

under his poetic venture.