Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Kraken" is a poem by Alfred Tennyson, one of the most famous and popular British poets of the Victorian era. Tennyson was born in 1809 and became Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland in 1850. He is known for his masterful use of language and his ability to capture complex emotions in his poetry. "The Kraken" was first published in 1830 as part of Tennyson's collection of poems entitled "Poems, Chiefly Lyrical."

Content:

"The Kraken" describes a mythical sea monster that lives at the bottom of the ocean. The poem portrays the creature as a powerful and awe-inspiring being that is almost godlike in its majesty. The speaker of the poem describes the Kraken as "ancient" and "huge," with "huge sponges" for ears and "long, lank arms" that "move with a slow, majestic motion." The Kraken is said to sleep in the "slumberous" depths of the ocean, only awakening "once by man and angels to be seen."

Form:

"The Kraken" is a sonnet, a type of poem that consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of "The Kraken" is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means each line has 10 syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. The poem also uses alliteration, with repeated sounds such as "s" in "slumberous" and "sponges," and "l" in "long" and "lank."

Poetic Elements:

Tennyson uses vivid imagery in "The Kraken" to create a sense of awe and wonder around the creature. He employs personification, describing the Kraken's "long, lank arms" as "huge crag[s]" and its "ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep" as a "palace." The poem also uses metaphor, likening the Kraken to a "gigantic" sphinx and a "mighty" prophet. Tennyson's use of alliteration and iambic pentameter help to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.

Summary:

"The Kraken" is a well-crafted poem that captures the imagination with its vivid and awe-inspiring imagery. Tennyson's use of metaphor and personification help to create a sense of grandeur and majesty around the Kraken, making it seem almost godlike in its power and mystery. The use of alliteration and iambic pentameter contribute to the poem's musicality and rhythm, adding to its emotional impact. Overall, "The Kraken" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Tennyson's skill as a poet.

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