Different aspects of Victorian poetry through Mathew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson, British Poetry, BA English, MA English

  

Show the two different aspects of Victorian poetry through Mathew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson?

 Matthew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson were both influential Victorian poets who contributed significantly to the development of poetry during their time. While they shared certain commonalities, such as their concern with the changing society and the impact of industrialization, they also showcased distinct aspects in their poetry. Let's explore these two different aspects of Victorian poetry through Matthew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson.

 Matthew Arnold:

 Social Criticism: Arnold's poetry often reflected his social criticism and concern for the moral and intellectual decline of Victorian society. He lamented the erosion of traditional values and the alienation caused by industrialization. In poems like "Dover Beach," he portrays a world devoid of faith and meaning, highlighting the spiritual crisis of the age.

 Intellectual Rigor: Arnold's poetry demonstrates his intellectual rigor and engagement with philosophical ideas. He sought to reconcile the conflicts between faith and reason, tradition and modernity. In works like "The Scholar-Gipsy," he explores the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the allure of the simple, rural life.

 

Lord Alfred Tennyson: 

Romanticism and Nature: Tennyson embraced elements of Romanticism in his poetry, emphasizing the beauty of nature and its capacity to evoke emotions. In poems such as "The Lady of Shalott" and "The Lotus-Eaters," he uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and awe, capturing the sublime aspects of the natural world. 

Myth and Legend: Tennyson drew inspiration from myth, legend, and history, infusing his poetry with a sense of grandeur and heroic themes. Works like "Idylls of the King" and "Ulysses" showcase his interest in Arthurian legends and classical mythology, exploring themes of heroism, chivalry, and the quest for meaning.

In summary, Matthew Arnold's poetry exhibits a social critique and intellectual engagement, reflecting the concerns of a changing society, while Lord Alfred Tennyson's poetry highlights the romantic appreciation of nature and draws inspiration from myth and legend, evoking a sense of grandeur and heroism. These two poets offer distinct aspects of Victorian poetry, reflecting the diverse literary trends and concerns of their time.

 

Discuss their different projections of man's possession in History?

Both Matthew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson offer different projections of "man's possession in History" in their respective works. While both poets engage with historical themes and the relationship between individuals and history, their perspectives and approaches differ.

 Matthew Arnold: Arnold's projection of "man's possession in History" reflects a more critical and introspective stance. He often highlights the negative aspects of history and the challenges faced by individuals in navigating its complexities. In poems like "Dover Beach," Arnold presents a pessimistic view, where he laments the erosion of faith and moral values in modern society. He portrays history as a source of disillusionment, emphasizing the loss of stability and certainty. Arnold's perspective suggests that humanity's possession in history is fraught with challenges and the need for self-reflection and intellectual engagement.

 Lord Alfred Tennyson: Tennyson's projection of "man's possession in History" takes a more celebratory and heroic tone. He often embraces history as a source of inspiration and draws upon myths, legends, and historical events to highlight the triumphs and virtues of individuals. In works like "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Ulysses," Tennyson depicts characters who embody courage, honor, and a sense of purpose within historical contexts. His perspective suggests that history offers opportunities for individuals to assert themselves, leave a mark, and demonstrate their noble qualities.

 While Arnold's projection is more concerned with the challenges and complexities of history, Tennyson's projection emphasizes the heroic and inspiring aspects. Arnold's approach is rooted in social criticism and introspection, reflecting on the moral and intellectual dilemmas of the Victorian age. Tennyson, on the other hand, leans towards romanticizing history and the heroic deeds of individuals, emphasizing their capacity to shape and possess history through their actions.

In conclusion, Matthew Arnold's projection of "man's possession in History" focuses on the critical examination of historical challenges and moral dilemmas, while Lord Alfred Tennyson's projection highlights the heroic and inspiring aspects of individuals' engagement with history.

 

What different poetic temperaments, styles and approach may be observed in the poetry of Arnold and Tennyson?

Matthew Arnold and Lord Alfred Tennyson, while both prominent Victorian poets, exhibit different poetic temperaments, styles, and approaches in their poetry. Here are some notable differences:

Matthew Arnold:

Reflective and Critical Temperament: Arnold's poetry often reflects a reflective and critical temperament. He engages with philosophical and social themes, questioning the state of society and the decline of traditional values. His introspective nature is evident in poems such as "Dover Beach" and "The Scholar-Gipsy."

Intellectual Style: Arnold's poetry displays an intellectual style characterized by well-crafted verses, precise language, and a focus on ideas. He incorporates allusions, references to classical literature, and philosophical concepts, demonstrating a desire to engage with deeper intellectual currents.

 Elegiac Tone: Arnold's poetry often possesses an elegiac tone, conveying a sense of loss, longing, and melancholy. He mourns the erosion of faith, the loss of traditional beliefs, and the alienation caused by the changing society. This tone is evident in poems such as "The Forsaken Merman" and "Thyrsis."

  

Lord Alfred Tennyson:

 Romantic and Emotional Temperament: Tennyson's poetry reflects a more romantic and emotional temperament. He often explores themes of love, nature, and individual passion. His poetry is characterized by a strong emotional resonance and a sense of awe and wonder towards the world. Works like "The Lady of Shalott" and "In Memoriam A.H.H." exemplify this romantic temperament.

 Vivid Imagery and Narrative Style: Tennyson's poetry is known for its vivid imagery, sensory details, and narrative quality. He paints vivid pictures with his words, creating rich visual landscapes. His narrative style often involves storytelling, as seen in works like "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Idylls of the King."

Musicality and Lyricism: Tennyson's poetry possesses a musicality and lyricism that captivates the reader. His verses flow melodically, and he often employs rhythmic patterns and lyrical devices like repetition and alliteration. This musical quality is prominent in poems such as "Crossing the Bar" and "Break, Break, Break."

In summary, Matthew Arnold's poetry reflects a reflective and critical temperament, with an intellectual style and an elegiac tone, while Lord Alfred Tennyson's poetry embodies a romantic and emotional temperament, characterized by vivid imagery, narrative style, and musicality. These differences in temperament, style, and approach contribute to the distinctiveness of their poetic voices within the Victorian era.

 Disclaimer: Images have been taken from Google sites.