30+ Alfred Lord Tennyson Poems, Ranked by Poetry Experts - Poem Analysis

30+ Alfred Lord Tennyson Poems

Ranked by Poetry Experts

Alfred Lord Tennyson was a monumental figure in Victorian poetry whose works have stood the test of time.

His magnum opus, ‘In Memoriam A.H.H.,’ published in 1850, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest poets of his era and led to his appointment as the UK Poet Laureate, a role he held until his death.

Tennyson’s work had a significant influence on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and continues to be celebrated today as some of the finest in English literature.

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Alfred Lord Tennyson
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Tithonus

‘Tithonus’ stands as one of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s most important works, masterfully expanding on Greek mythology to explore the inevitability of death. The poem centers on the character Tithonus, who is cursed with eternal aging. This piece serves as a prime example of Tennyson’s unparalleled skill in elaborating on myths and legends, making it a cornerstone in his oeuvre.

Originally penned as 'Tithon' in 1833 but published under its full name in 1859, this poem is a quintessential representation of Tennyson's style. It explores the story of Tithonus, a figure in Greek mythology who is granted immortality but continues to age. The poem uses Tithonus's predicament to delve into the inescapable reality of death.

The woods decay, the woods decay and fall,

The vapours weep their burthen to the ground,

Man comes and tills the field and lies beneath,

And after many a summer dies the swan.

A Question by Shelley

‘A Question by Shelley’ is one of Tennyson’s most thought-provoking works that delves into the greatest unanswered questions of life, echoing the last words of Percy Bysshe Shelley, “Then what is life?”

The poem begins with the speaker referencing some of the last words that Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote before his death. Tennyson describes the fervor with which he and those like him discussed these questions of life. The poem concludes by categorizing people into two types: those who care about these questions and those who don't. Tennyson is pleased to count himself among the former, even though it is the more challenging path.

“Then what is life?” I cried. From his rent deeps

Of soul the poet cast that burning word;

And it should seem as though his prayer was heard,

For he died soon; and now his rest he keeps

If I were loved, as I desire to be

‘If I were loved, as I desire to be’ is a standout sonnet by Tennyson that explores the transformative power of love in overcoming life’s challenges.

The poem opens with the speaker lamenting how he is treated by others. He then expresses a desire to be loved by a specific individual. Achieving this love, he believes, would shield him from the world's evils. Love would grant him an unbreakable hope that transcends any form of despair. The poem culminates in the speaker's declaration that even if the world were to end, and he faced death alone with his love, he would remain unafraid.

If I were loved, as I desire to be,

What is there in the great sphere of the earth,

And range of evil between death and birth,

That I should fear, —if I were loved by thee?

The Lady of Shalott

‘The Lady of Shalott’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a complex poem about pursuing dreams and desires amidst larger restricting forces.

Published in 1833, 'The Lady of Shalott' is a reimagining of an Arthurian legend about a woman who dies from unrequited love. In Tennyson's version, the central character is under a curse that forces her to view the world only through a mirror; otherwise, she will die. Tragically, she breaks the curse to get a closer look at Sir Lancelot, which ultimately leads to her demise.

On either side the river lie

Long fields of barley and of rye,

That clothe the wold and meet the sky;

And thro' the field the road runs by

The Lotos-eaters

‘The Lotos-eaters’ delves into the mesmerizing effects of the lotos plants on Odysseus’s men, as they become enchanted by an otherworldly land.

Based on an episode from Homer's Odyssey, 'The Lotos-eaters' starts with Odysseus urging his men to have courage as they will soon find land. They quickly discover an enchanting island where the native "Lotos-eaters" offer them branches laden with lotos flowers and fruits. Consuming these, the men decide they'd rather stay on the island than return to their homeland. The latter part of the poem features a "Choric Song" where the men list reasons for wanting to remain in this captivating place.

"Courage!" he said, and pointed toward the land,

"This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon."

In the afternoon they came unto a land

In which it seemed always afternoon.

Nothing Will Die

‘Nothing will Die’ is a contemplative poem that delves into the themes of life, death, and the perpetual cycle of nature.

In 'Nothing will Die,' the speaker poses a series of questions about the permanence of natural elements and human emotions, answering each with a resounding "never." The poem concludes with the assertion that nothing is ever truly born or dies; everything is part of an eternal cycle of change and return to the Earth.

When will the stream be aweary of flowing

Under my eye?

When will the wind be aweary of blowing

Over the sky?

Oenone

Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘Oenone’ weaves heart-wrenching verses as Oenone, spurned by Paris, faces solitude, despair, and a haunting future.

'Oenone' is a good example of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poetry. The poem encapsulates his signature style, marked by eloquence, vivid imagery, and a penchant for exploring mythological narratives. Tennyson's thematic focus on love, loss, and intricate human emotions is mirrored in this work. 'Oenone' serves as a quintessential illustration of Tennyson's ability to weave classical elements into Victorian poetry, showcasing his enduring literary prowess.

There lies a vale in Ida, lovelier

Than all the valleys of Ionian hills.

The swimming vapour slopes athwart the glen,

Puts forth an arm, and creeps from pine to pine,

The Eagle

‘The Eagle’ is a poem that captures the strength of the majestic bird, inspiring readers to reach for the heights of their own potential.

‘The Eagle’ is a concise masterpiece by Tennyson, consisting of just six lines. The poem zeroes in on the eagle as a symbol of power and solitude, elevated above the mundane world. The reader is compelled to ponder the life of this majestic creature, particularly in the dramatic final lines where the eagle dives towards the sea "like a thunderbolt." This poem encapsulates Tennyson's frequent exploration of nature, power, and human emotions.

He clasps the crag with crooked hands; 

Close to the sun in lonely lands, 

Ring'd with the azure world, he stands.

The Kraken

‘The Kraken’ by Tennyson delves into the mysterious story of an ancient sea monster, predicting his rise to the sea’s surface only to die.

"The Kraken" explores the life, slumber, and eventual awakening of an enigmatic sea creature. The poem begins by emphasizing the creature's elusive nature, hidden deep within the ocean where no human can venture. Contrary to being a ruler of the underwater world, the Kraken is portrayed as just another ancient entity. The poem culminates in a dramatic revelation: the Kraken will one day awaken, unleash its power upon humanity and celestial beings, and then meet its end upon reaching the surface.

Below the thunders of the upper deep,

Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,

His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep

The Kraken sleepeth: faintest sunlights flee

Tears, Idle Tears

‘Tears, Idle Tears’ is an emotional exploration of time, life, and death, told through the eyes of a court maiden and filled with vivid imagery.

'Tears, Idle Tears' was published in 1847 as part of Tennyson's longer work, 'The Princess.' The poem is a poignant reflection on the themes of time, life, and death, narrated from the perspective of a court maiden. The emotional intensity of the poem is heightened by a rich array of images, such as summer mornings, birds, ship sails, and sunlight, all of which come to the speaker through a lens of endless tears.

Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,

Tears from the depth of some divine despair

Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,

In looking on the happy autumn-fields,

Explore more poems from Alfred Lord Tennyson

Now fades the last long streak of snow

‘Now fades the last long streak of snow’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a moving poem that explores spring and rebirth. The poet penned this piece in memory of a friend who died.

Tennyson's work often reflects a deep philosophical engagement with themes of loss, growth, and human emotion. This poem is no exception, with its elegant exploration of grief and recovery. His poetry is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and lyrical beauty, which enhances the emotional resonance of the themes he explores.

Now fades the last long streak of snow,

Now burgeons every maze of quick

About the flowering squares, and thick

By ashen roots the violets blow.

The Epic

‘The Epic’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson contemplates tradition’s wane, artistic innovation, and the timeless value of creativity in changing times.

This poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a good representation of his poems in several ways. Tennyson was known for his exploration of themes related to tradition, the passing of time, and the tension between old and new. In 'The Epic,' these themes are central. The poem reflects his ability to use vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to convey complex ideas. Its exploration of the role of art and tradition in a changing society resonates with Tennyson's broader body of work. It captures Tennyson's thematic concerns, his innovative approach to form, and his ability to communicate profound ideas, making it a representative example of his poetry.

At Francis Allen’s on the Christmas-eve,—

The game of forfeits done—the girls all kiss’d

Beneath the sacred bush and past away—

The parson Holmes, the poet Everard Hall,

Crossing the Bar

‘Crossing the Bar’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson presents the journey from life into death as if calmly advancing into a new phase.

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

A Farewell

‘A Farewell’ challenges the reader to reflect upon the fleeting nature of human life, especially when compared to nature.

The poem showcases Tennyson's typical reflective sensibilities and his keen awareness of his own mortality. Tennyson was no stranger to loss and knew the value of life; this appreciation is apparent throughout the poem.

Flow down, cold rivulet, to the sea,

Thy tribute wave deliver:

No more by thee my steps shall be,

For ever and for ever.

The Hesperides

In ‘The Hesperides’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson, the poem embarks on a mystical voyage with Zidonian Hanno.

This poem serves as a good representation of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poetry. It embodies his characteristic themes of exploration, mystery, and the allure of the unknown. The poem showcases his adept use of vivid imagery and symbolism to create a sense of wonder. Overall, it aligns with the poetic style and thematic interests for which Tennyson is renowned.

The North-wind fall'n, in the new starréd night

Zidonian Hanno, voyaging beyond

The hoary promontory of Soloë

Past Thymiaterion, in calméd bays

FAQs about Alfred Lord Tennyson

Alfred Tennyson was a famous British poet who lived during the 19th century. He is considered one of the most renowned poets of the Victorian era and was appointed as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1850.

Alfred Tennyson's poems often explore themes of nature, love, death, melancholy, and the human condition. His works also delve into topics such as heroism, societal change, and the impacts of industrialization.

Yes, Alfred Tennyson's poems often reference historical and cultural events or figures. For example, 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' is based on the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, and 'Ulysses' draws inspiration from the Greek mythological character of Odysseus.

Alfred Tennyson's poems continue to resonate with readers today due to their timeless themes, evocative imagery, and powerful language. His exploration of the human experience and emotions transcends time, allowing readers to connect with his poetry on a profound level.

Yes, Alfred Tennyson's poems make use of various poetic devices such as imagery, symbolism, alliteration, repetition, and metaphor. These devices enhance the emotional impact and depth of his poetry.

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