Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–1892)

I guess a lot of literature experts/commentators/teachers/professors would say that there was a lot lacking in my schooling, but I don't understand what all the hoopla is about with Tennyson. I don't know how they can describe him as a genius. I did not enjoy his style or his flights of fancy about his subjects. The only piece I liked from this collection was his story about Enoch Arden. Mr. Jagger's commentary on "The Life of Tennyson" at the back of the book was interesting but also waltzed off into similar flights of fancy that I felt Tennyson does himself. Maybe that's why I became a steam engineer and not a teacher of poems.… (mer)

Of the five suggested Tennyson poems to read, I finished The Dying Swan, In Memoriam, The Lady of Shalott, and The Lotos-Eaters. I skipped the Idylls of the King because I tried reading that some time ago, and quit. It's quite long, and I am doing the bear minimum of poetry reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tennyson's poems, especially The Lady of Shalott, The Lotus-Eaters, and In Memoriam. His poetic style is rhythmic and simple and pleasant, and his themes are emotional, as he deals with loss and grief and sadness. The Lady of Shalott is Medieval and The Lotus-Eaters is Greek mythology. Initially, I sensed he may be an orthodox Christian, but a little research explained how his faith was more emotional than rational, and I can definitely see that.

I am making a mental note that if I ever read more poetry, I will read Tennyson!… (mer)