Alfred Lord Tennyson

Paper Summary:

This paper examines Tennyson's belief that aging can be both a positive and negative way of life, depending on how one views it and accepts its reality, as presented in his poems, "Ulysses," "In Memoriam," "Tithonus," and "Crossing the Bar." The author points out that the best scenario of aging, according to Tennyson in "Ulysses," is to grow old in a normal way and yet still retain the physical ability and spirit to continue pursuits. The paper relates that Tennyson's concepts about aging are still reflected in today's culture in the terms "Plague of "Tithonus"" and the Ulyssean Society, which refer to the need to make maturity rich and wholesome.

From the Paper:

"Tennyson had well begun his literary career when on September 15, 1833, his close friend Arthur Hallam died. The news had come even more of a shock to Tennyson, because the death was very sudden and unexpected. The poet and Hallam's relationship had been "passing the love of women." The poet began to honestly look at the inconsistencies of life and what it had to offer. He began to question death, asking, "Is this the end?" He was unconvinced that this stage of life was indeed all there was to existence and later wrote the poem "In Memoriam" in remembrance."

More papers on Alfred Lord Tennyson:

• Analytical Essay # 3708 : "The Significance of Alfred, Lord Tennyson"
• Book Review # 98558 : "Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses"
• Poem Review # 146092 : "Analysis of Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Mariana"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: