ThAct: Tennyson and Browning

 Krishna Baraiya's blog
Tennyson and Browning

Alfred Lord Tennyson :

Introduction :

Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was one of the most prominent English poets of the Victorian era, known for his lyrical and narrative verse that explores themes of heroism, love, loss, and moral dilemmas. He was born in Lincolnshire and was a key figure in the literary movement that defined much of Victorian poetry. Tennyson was appointed Poet Laureate in 1850, a position he held until his death, and his works continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth, vivid imagery, and masterful use of language.

Tennyson’s early works, such as Poems, Chiefly Lyrical (1830), were marked by a romantic, introspective tone. However, his later works, such as The Idylls of the King (1859), a series of narrative poems based on the Arthurian legend, reflect a deep engagement with myth, history, and moral reflection. He also addressed themes of doubt, faith, and the human condition, especially in the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, which shaped much of the Victorian era.

Notable works of Tennyson include:

- "The Lady of Shalott", which explores the tragic consequences of isolation and the conflict between art and life.

- "Ulysses", which presents an aging hero who yearns for adventure and meaning in life.

- "In Memoriam", a moving elegy for his close friend Arthur Hallam, reflecting on grief, faith, and the nature of existence.

Tennyson’s style is characterized by its use of musicality, vivid imagery, and formal structure, making him a favorite among readers and a central figure in English poetry. His works remain a rich source for study, particularly in their exploration of the human spirit, nature, and Victorian societal ideals.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson is often considered the representative literary figure of the Victorian era due to his ability to capture the complex emotions, intellectual debates, and moral dilemmas of the period. His poetry reflects the changing social, political, and religious landscapes of 19th-century England, which saw rapid industrialization, the rise of empire, and the questioning of traditional religious beliefs.

1. Reflection of Victorian Ideals and Doubts:

Tennyson’s work epitomizes many of the central concerns of the Victorian age. He often explored themes of moral responsibility, heroism, and the quest for meaning, as seen in his famous poem Ulysses, where the protagonist, despite his age, yearns for adventure and intellectual growth. This reflects the Victorian belief in the importance of personal striving and purpose. Tennyson also grappled with the religious uncertainty of the time, particularly in In Memoriam, which addresses the tension between faith and doubt in a rapidly changing world. His exploration of religious and existential doubt resonated with a society increasingly questioning traditional faith amidst scientific advancements such as Darwin's theory of evolution.

2. Poetic Form and National Identity:

Tennyson's mastery of poetic form, including his use of lyrical verse and narrative poetry,  made him a quintessential figure of Victorian literature. His poems, like The Lady of Shalott and The Idylls of the King, often draw from mythology and history, blending traditional themes with a modern sensibility. These works reflect the Victorian era’s fascination with the past, particularly the medieval and Arthurian legends, which Tennyson reinterpreted to comment on contemporary issues such as the decline of chivalric values and the complexities of human relationships.

As Poet Laureate, a position he held from 1850 until his death, Tennyson was seen as the voice of the nation during a time of great national pride and anxiety. His works, such as The Charge of the Light Brigade, celebrated the heroism of the British Empire and its military, while also contemplating the costs of war and heroism. His nationalistic themes were often balanced by a more introspective exploration of the individual’s place in society and the universe.

3. Psychological Depth and Emotional Range:

Tennyson’s poetry also delves deeply into the psychological experiences of his characters, often exploring inner conflict, melancholy, and self-reflection. This is particularly evident in In Memoriam, where Tennyson processes the grief of losing his close friend, Arthur Hallam, grappling with themes of mortality, faith, and human resilience. This capacity to convey emotional depth is one reason Tennyson’s works continue to resonate today, as they reflect universal human experiences.

4. Influence and Legacy:

Tennyson’s influence extended beyond literature into the broader cultural sphere of the Victorian era. His work shaped the aesthetic and intellectual currents of the time and was instrumental in shaping the public’s understanding of key issues such as national identity, faith, and human progress. His romanticized yet realist portrayal of heroism and moral struggle provided a sense of direction and stability for a society undergoing profound changes.

In conclusion, Tennyson represents the Victorian era's quest for meaning and stability amidst uncertainty and rapid change. His works reflect the era’s tensions between faith and doubt, individualism and social duty, romanticism and realism, which makes him an ideal representative of the period. His exploration of these themes, coupled with his mastery of poetic form, has cemented his legacy as one of the defining poets of the Victorian age.

Robert Browning :

Robert Browning

Introduction : 

Robert Browning (1812–1889) was an English poet and playwright, renowned for his dramatic monologues and mastery of the psychological aspects of human nature. His works often explored themes of love, obsession, power, and morality. Browning's poetic style is marked by intricate language, complex syntax, and vivid character studies. His most famous works include 'My Last Duchess', 'The Ring and the Book', and 'Porphyria's Lover'. Browning’s early poetry was met with little success, but his later works gained recognition and contributed to his enduring reputation in English literature. He was married to fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and their intellectual partnership remains a significant part of literary history.

My Last Duchess : poem

One of Robert Browning's most famous poems is "My Last Duchess," a dramatic monologue that offers a glimpse into the psyche of a Renaissance duke as he reflects on his late wife, whose portrait he keeps on display. In the poem, the Duke speaks to an emissary about the portrait of his "last Duchess," revealing his possessive and controlling nature. Through the Duke's speech, Browning explores themes of power, jealousy, and the objectification of women.

 Thematic Concerns:

1.Power and Control :

 The Duke reveals his authoritarian nature, demonstrating how he exercised control over his wife. He suggests that her "heart too soon made glad" by simple gestures like a smile or a compliment was something he could not tolerate. His need for dominance over her emotions and actions becomes evident when he mentions that he gave "commands" that led to her untimely death. The poem illustrates the extreme lengths the Duke was willing to go to maintain control over his wife, treating her as an object to be possessed rather than a person.

2. Jealousy and Possession:

 The Duke’s jealousy is a key theme in the poem. He resents his wife’s innocent kindness and attention to others, interpreting it as a slight against his status. His obsession with her behavior is clear when he talks about her lack of proper reverence for his noble position. The Duke's need to possess her even in death is reflected in how he displays her portrait, as though she is still under his control.

3. Objectification of Women:

 Throughout the poem, the Duke treats his wife as a commodity, an object of art to be admired but never questioned. He compares her to a "piece of furniture," something to be admired by others, but he cannot tolerate her human qualities, like her capacity for affection and joy. This reflects the way women were often treated in the patriarchal societies of the time.

4. Art and Aestheticism: 

The poem also delves into the relationship between art and life. The Duke's description of his late wife as a beautiful portrait raises questions about the role of art in memorializing people. The portrait becomes a symbol of the Duke’s desire to control how his wife is remembered—beautiful, silent, and frozen in time, just as he wanted her to be during her life.

In conclusion, "My Last Duchess" is a powerful exploration of human psychology, particularly concerning the themes of power, control, jealousy, and the objectification of women. Through the Duke's monologue, Browning masterfully critiques the ways in which individuals can manipulate and dominate others in the name of preserving their own pride and authority.