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Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a 19th-century English poet whose body of work captures the essence of the Victorian period
. Tennyson, born in 1809, became the British Poet Laureate in 1850, succeeding William Wordsworth. Notable works include “The Lady of Shalott,” “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and “In Memoriam,” among others.“The Lady of Shalott” (1832) is a narrative poem inspired by Arthurian legend, telling the tragic story of a cursed lady in a tower. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1854) immortalizes the heroism of the British cavalry during the Crimean War. “In Memoriam” (1850) is a lengthy elegy that explores Tennyson’s grief and reflections on faith in the wake of a close friend’s death.
Set in the context of the Victorian era, Tennyson’s works often grapple with the tension between tradition and progress, the impact of industrialization, and the complexities of faith and doubt. Tennyson’s poetry remains relevant today for its timeless investigation of universal themes such as love, loss, and the human condition. His mastery of language, musicality, and vivid imagery contribute to the enduring appeal of his verses.
Read an the free full text, an analysis of the collection, a discussion of the poems’ themes, and explanations of quotes about grief in Tennyson’s Poetry.
