Reading in such a manner with no intent to later look deeper, however, greatly diminishes the value of the work. True, one can read these works for leisure without any attention to the undertones which drive the work. Whether one is reading one of the longer or shorter works of Alfred Tennyson, it is clear that one is entertaining the relationship that Tennyson had with Hallman. The diversity in which Alfred, Lord Tennyson writes makes it possible for both the literary master as well as the novice to enjoy intellectual poetry without becoming baffled to its length, meaning, or metaphors. Even shorter still is Crossing the Bar which contains a mere 14 lines. In Tears, Idle Tears one can see that in only 20 lines the poem has been dynamically presented.Īs short as this poem is, one can see that there is a great deal to be found within its contents. There are several poems which were written that are a great deal shorter than the three major narrative poems for which Alfred, Lord Tennyson is most commonly known (Morte d’ Arthur, In Memoriam A.H.H, and Ulysses). Like many of the Romanticism poets, there is a call to Christianity found throughout. His most notable poem In Memoriam A.H.H has several Cantos.

Most of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poems have an excess of 250 lines. Yet, unlike a short story, the poems do strive to have a rhythm and structure oriented to not only oriented to written dictation, but to oration as well. The creative style is best compared with the modern short story. Statements using the first person narrative would indicated that Tennyson wants the reader to conclude that he was standing on the shores as King Arthur (Hallman) was carried away to death’s embrace.Īny reader of Alfred, Lord Tennyson will quickly inform another that his works are generally heavy in verse. Is Tennyson a bystander recording events or is he grafted into the poem. The question that arises is what role Tennyson has placed himself in relation to Arthur within this poem. Hallman is presented as the noble king but alas he is sent where he cannot be followed. Once this is established in the mind, then the overall meaning and dynamics of this poem can be seen. One must bear in mind that this poem is a tribute to Arthur Hallman. Much like the title suggests, the poem Morte d’ Arthur includes the information of the death of Arthur. One can hear Tennyson’s mourning ring out in his poems Morte d’ Arthur as well as in Ulysses. Through his encouragement and through his death Tennyson received the drive which he needed to press forward. Being as how Tennyson’s beginning works got minimal acclaim, one can say that Arthur Hallman made it possible for the reader to have Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poems today. Where it is evident that Tennyson had a deep love for the man, there remains no definitive proof beyond speculation and rumor of a physical relationship. One must not succumb to believing rumors that Tennyson and Hallman had sexual relations as some critics have suggested.

One of the Chief influences in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s life was Arthur Hallman. This combined with his scholarly influences refined his skills as a blacksmith does a treasured metal. His two brothers were poets (though less popular). Where his drive and passion for literature was formed is quite obviously from his family roots. Records indicate that Alfred, Lord Tennyson began writing as early as five years of age and never stopped doing so. The poet quite literally spent his entire life dedicated to pen and parchment. A Cambridge Scholar with no degree but exceptional skill in the artistry of the written language, Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809 – 1892) stands among the best known as well as the most criticized poets of all time.

Alfred lord tennyson