Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tennyson" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a tribute to the renowned British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poem positions Tennyson alongside two of England's greatest poets, Shakespeare and Milton, and praises his influence and enduring legacy. Through various metaphors and vivid imagery, Aldrich illustrates Tennyson's poetic impact, not only in his time but also for future generations.

Themes

Enduring Legacy: The poem elevates Tennyson to a level of enduring greatness alongside Shakespeare and Milton. Aldrich asserts that Tennyson's fame will continue to resonate wherever the English language is spoken.

Poetry as a Voice of a Nation: Tennyson's poetry is described as the voice of England, reflecting the national sentiment during significant historical events such as the Crimean War. He becomes a symbol of his country's values, its praise, and its moral judgments.

Humility and Reverence: Aldrich's tribute is marked by deep respect and humility. He acknowledges his "poverty" in comparison to Tennyson's greatness but emphasizes that the act of reverence itself has value.

Structure and Style

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each highlighting a different aspect of Tennyson's contribution. The first stanza introduces Tennyson as a figure comparable to Shakespeare and Milton; the second discusses his role during the Crimean War; and the third emphasizes his enduring legacy.

The rhyme scheme of "TENNYSON" is ABBAABCDDCCD. This intricate pattern contributes to the tightly woven structure of the sonnet and adds to the elegance of the poem. The interlocking rhymes in the ABBAAB section create a sense of unity and connection, while the concluding CDCD provides a strong and decisive ending to the poem.

Analysis

Stanza 1: Aldrich raises the question of who will stand with Shakespeare and Milton in the pantheon of English literature, then answers with Tennyson's name. The imagery of the "wild encircling sea" symbolizes England's geographical identity and Tennyson's encompassing voice. Stanza 2: This section describes Tennyson's poetic voice during the Crimean War, likening it to a "bugle-call in battle" and a "low breath" over the fields of death. The duality of Tennyson's voice, both inspiring and mournful, reflects the complex emotions of war. Stanza 3: Aldrich foresees that other poets will have their "little space of time," but Tennyson's fame will endure. The construction metaphor "builder of enduring rhyme" emphasizes the solidity and permanence of Tennyson's work. Final Stanza: In a personal appeal, Aldrich asks the winter winds to carry his verse to Tennyson, acknowledging the modesty of his gift but emphasizing the sincerity of his reverence.

Historical and Cultural Context

The mention of the Crimean War and places like "Euxine wastes" and "Kandahar" anchor the poem in historical events, highlighting Tennyson's role in capturing the zeitgeist of his time.

""Tennyson"" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a fitting tribute to one of the 19th century's most celebrated poets. Through its eloquent portrayal of Tennyson's poetic voice, its evocation of his historical significance, and its personal expression of reverence, the poem acknowledges Tennyson's place among the greats of English literature. Aldrich's humility and deep respect for Tennyson shine through, making the poem not just an ode to a literary giant but also a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and resonate across generations.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...