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Alfred Tennyson
6 August 1809 - 6 October 1892
Alfred Tennyson was an English poet. He was the Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign. Tennyson's early poetry, with its medievalism and powerful visual imagery, was a major influence on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
As source material for his poetry, Tennyson used a wide range of subject matter ranging from medieval legends to classical myths and from domestic situations to observations of nature. He also handled rhythm masterfully. Tennyson's use of the musical qualities of words to emphasise his rhythms and meanings is sensitive.
Themes
The Reconciliation of Religion and Science | The Virtues of Perseverance and Optimism | The Glory of England | Death | Nature | Grief | Artistic Isolation | Spirituality | Time | Courage
Featured Works
1. Break, Break, Break
Break, break, break, On thy cold gray stones, O Sea! And I would that my tongue could utter The thoughts that arise in me. O, well for the fisherman's boy, That he shouts with his sister at play! O, well for the sailor lad, That he sings in his boat on the bay!
And the stately ships go on To their haven under the hill; But O for the touch of a vanish'd hand, And the sound of a voice that is still!
Break, break, break At the foot of thy crags, O Sea! But the tender grace of a day that is dead Will never come back to me.
2. from "The Charge of the Light Brigade"
I
Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!" he said. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.
