Tennyson and Browning

Justify Tennyson as the representative literary figure of the Victorian Era.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, is considered to be the representative poet of the Victorian period because his poetry reflects the major themes and concerns of the age. These themes include:

The Industrial Revolution: 

Tennyson's poetry often explores the social and economic impact of the Industrial Revolution. In poems such as "Locksley Hall" and "In Memoriam A.H.H.," he expresses concern about the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the loss of traditional values.

The rise of science:

 Tennyson was also deeply interested in science, and his poetry often reflects the scientific discoveries of his day. In poems such as "The Princess" and "Morte d'Arthur," he explores the relationship between science and religion, and he grapples with the implications of Darwinian evolution.

The role of women: 

Tennyson's poetry also addresses the changing role of women in Victorian society. In poems such as "The Lady of Shalott" and "Enoch Arden," he explores the challenges faced by women who sought to break free from traditional gender roles.

The nature of faith: 

Tennyson was a devout Christian, but he also struggled with doubts about the existence of God. In poems such as "In Memoriam A.H.H." and "Ulysses," he explores the nature of faith and the search for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to human suffering.

Tennyson's poetry is also notable for its beauty and musicality. He was a master of the English language, and his poems are full of memorable images and phrases. His poetry has been praised by critics and readers alike, and it continues to be read and enjoyed today.

Pick a poem written by Robert Browning and discuss its thematic concerns. 

One of Robert Browning's well-known poems is My Last Duchess. This dramatic monologue explores themes of power, control, and the objectification of women. The poem is spoken by the Duke of Ferrara as he reveals to an emissary his former wife, the Duchess, and the reasons for her untimely death.

Themes in My Last Duchess:

1. Power and Control: 

The Duke is obsessed with the idea of controlling his wife, not only in life but also in death. His demand for absolute control over her behavior, even to the point of silencing her with death, speaks to the broader theme of power dynamics in relationships. The Duke reflects on how the Duchess smiled too freely at others, suggesting that he could not tolerate her perceived lack of exclusivity toward him.

2. Jealousy and Possession: 

The Duke's words suggest that he viewed his wife as his property, rather than as an individual. His jealousy of her interactions with others highlights the theme of possessiveness. Her beauty and kindness were apparently not enough for him unless they were entirely reserved for him.

3. Art and Aestheticism: 

The poem itself is an example of Browning's engagement with art and the aesthetics of power. The Duke's description of the portrait of his last Duchess becomes a metaphor for his desire to "own" her even after her death, illustrating the connection between art, objectification, and the desire to preserve one's control over something beautiful.

4. Morality and Corruption: 

The Duke's casual admission of his wife's death, without any hint of remorse, speaks to his moral corruption. His ability to rationalize his actions and present himself as a wronged, superior figure underscores the theme of the moral decay present in individuals driven by wealth, status, and the desire for dominance.

In sum, My Last Duchess delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring the dangerous intersections of power, control, and objectification within relationships, all framed through the Duke's chilling monologue.

In addition to these themes, Tennyson's poetry also reflects the Victorians' sense of optimism and progress. He believed that the human race was on a journey of moral and spiritual improvement, and he saw poetry as a way of promoting this progress. Tennyson's poetry was hugely popular in his own day, and it continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world. He is rightly considered to be one of the greatest poets of the English language, and he is a fitting representative of the Victorian period.