UNIT 4: LORD ALFRED TENNYSON: “TEARS, IDLE TEARS”

Lord Alfred Tennyson’s Life

Lord Alfred Tennyson was born on August 6, 1809, in a small village called Somersby in Lincolnshire. He grew up in poverty and received his early education from his father, who was a reverend. Tennyson attended school in Loath from 1817 to 1820 and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. His personal life was marked by difficulties, including his father’s alcoholism, his mother’s distress, and two of his brothers suffering from mental illness. Tennyson’s poetry often reflects these challenging moments. He was well-read and engaged in intellectual debates of his time, including the conflicts between religious beliefs and concepts like “Darwinism” and “Natural Selection.” In 1850, he became the Poet Laureate, succeeding Wordsworth, and married Emily Sellwood the same year. Tennyson passed away in 1892.

Lord Alfred Tennyson’s Work

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a highly esteemed British poet of the Victorian era. His poetry is renowned for its beauty, lyrical quality, and exploration of various themes such as love, loss, and the meaning of life.

Tennyson’s most famous poems, including “The Lady of Shalott,” “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” “Ulysses,” and “Crossing the Bar,” continue to captivate readers today. He also penned longer works like the epic poem “In Memoriam” and the Arthurian cycle “Idylls of the King.”

Key themes in Tennyson’s work encompass love, exploring its romantic and platonic aspects, loss which he personally experienced through the demise of loved ones, and the profound question of life’s purpose. His poems ponder the meaning of life, death, and the possibilities of an afterlife, provoking deep contemplation.

Tennyson’s poems are a testament to the complexity of human existence, offering profound thoughts, solace, and inspiration. Their enduring appeal continues to touch the hearts and minds of readers worldwide.

Summary of the Poem-

“Tears, Idle Tears” by Lord Alfred Tennyson is a poem about feeling sad and nostalgic when remembering past happiness. The speaker starts by shedding tears without a clear reason. They think about the past, especially the happy moments that are gone forever.

The speaker talks about the beauty of nature around them, like a colorful sunset and the sound of waves. These sights and sounds make them feel longing and sadness. It reminds them that happiness doesn’t last forever and eventually fades away.

In the end, the speaker understands that these tears are a normal response to the fleeting nature of joy. They realize that memories and emotions from the past cannot be fully recaptured, and they accept this truth.

Overall, “Tears, Idle Tears” is a reflective poem that explores the bittersweet emotions of longing and nostalgia when thinking about the past and how happiness is temporary.

Question and Answer

Q.1. What is the central idea in the poem “TEARS, IDLE TEARS”?

Answer- The central idea of the poem “Tears, Idle Tears” by Lord Alfred Tennyson is the wistful and nostalgic longing for the past. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the inability to recapture the joyous moments of the past. The tears shed are described as “idle,” lacking a clear cause or purpose, symbolizing the bittersweet emotions associated with reminiscing. The poem highlights the transience of life and the yearning for what has been lost, evoking a sense of melancholy and longing.

Q.2. Describe the images that Tennyson uses in the poem to convey his sweet and sad feelings.

Answer– In the poem “Tears, Idle Tears” by Lord Alfred Tennyson, the poet uses vivid imagery to convey his sweet and sad feelings. He employs various images to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.

One of the images Tennyson uses is that of tears. He describes them as “idle tears,” suggesting a sense of aimlessness and longing. These tears represent the bittersweet emotions associated with memories and the passing of time.

The poet also employs the image of an autumnal sunset, symbolizing the beauty and transience of nature. This image represents the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitable decline that comes with the passage of time.

Additionally, Tennyson mentions the sound of waves, which adds a melancholic tone to the poem. The rhythmic and constant motion of the waves reflects the continuous flow of time and the irretrievable nature of past experiences.

Overall, through these images, Tennyson captures the delicate blend of sweetness and sadness that arises when reminiscing about the past, creating a poignant atmosphere in the poem.

Q.3. Discuss the life and works of Lord Alfred Tennyson.

Answer– Lord Alfred Tennyson was born on August 6, 1809, in Lincolnshire, England. He grew up in poverty and went to school in Loath. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. Tennyson became friends with Arthur Hallam, whose death deeply affected him and inspired his poem “In Memoriam A. H. H.” Tennyson faced difficulties in his personal life, including his father’s drinking problem and his mother’s sadness. He had two brothers who suffered from mental illness.

Tennyson was a poet who loved romantic ideas like nature and emotions. Some of his famous works are “The Lady of Shallot,” “The Lotos Eater,” and “Locksley Hall.” He also wrote a collection called “The Princess: A Medley” which included the beautiful poem “Tears, Idle Tears.” Tennyson’s most well-known poem, “In Memoriam,” was published anonymously and became very popular. He wrote about different topics like love, war, and fairness. Tennyson’s poems about King Arthur’s stories in “Idylls of the King” are also famous.

Some people nowadays don’t appreciate Victorian poetry, but Tennyson’s importance as a poet was recognized by T. S. Eliot. Despite his tough childhood and personal struggles, Tennyson’s poetry still touches people’s hearts and makes them feel deep emotions.

Q.4. “So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more”. What “days” is the poet referring to?

Answer- In the poem “Tears, Idle Tears” by Lord Alfred Tennyson, the line “So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more” refers to past days or moments that evoke a sense of sadness and nostalgia. The poet reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweet emotions associated with memories of the past. These “days that are no more” represent the experiences and joys of the past that can no longer be relived or recaptured. The poet’s contemplation of these days evokes a mix of sorrow and longing, emphasizing the transient nature of human existence and the profound impact of cherished moments from the past.

Q.5. “O Death in Life, the days that are no more”. What is referred to here? What effect do the days have on the poet’s mind? OR “O death in life, the days that are no more.” Name the poem from which this line has been taken. What is referred to here? (In around 100 words)

Answer– The line “O Death in Life, the days that are no more” is from Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Tears, Idle Tears.” In this line, the poet expresses a profound sense of melancholy and longing for the past. The phrase “O Death in Life” suggests that the poet feels a kind of spiritual death or emptiness in the absence of those past days. The days that are “no more” refer to the irretrievable moments of the past, the experiences and joys that have passed away and cannot be relived. The effect of these days on the poet’s mind is a deep sense of sadness and an awareness of the fleeting nature of human existence. The line captures the poet’s heartfelt contemplation of the fleeting splendour and profound significance of treasured memories.

Q.6. Explain with reference to the context.

a) “Tears from the depth of some divine despair

Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes”

Answer– In the given lines from Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Tears, Idle Tears,” the context suggests that the poet is describing the origin and manifestation of tears. The phrase “Tears from the depth of some divine despair” indicates that these tears arise from a profound and spiritual sadness or anguish within the poet’s heart. The word “divine” emphasizes the intensity and profound nature of this despair. As the tears well up, they “gather to the eyes,” indicating that they are about to be shed. The poet’s description highlights the emotional depth and intensity of these tears, suggesting that they are not merely a result of surface-level emotions, but rather a reflection of a profound and transcendent sorrow.

b) “In looking on the happy Autumn- fields,

And thinking of the days that are no more.

Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,

That brings our friends up from the underworld”

Answer– In the context of Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Tears Idle Tears,” the line “O death in life, the days that are no more” reflects the poet’s melancholic contemplation of the past. The preceding lines, “In looking on the happy Autumn-fields, and thinking of the days that are no more,” set the stage for this reflection. Tennyson describes observing the vibrant fields of autumn, which triggers memories of happier times that are now gone. The phrase “O death in life” suggests that the poet feels a sense of loss and longing for those past days, which he perceives as a form of death or an absence of life. The days have a profound effect on the poet’s mind, stirring up a mixture of sadness and nostalgia for the fleeting nature of time and the cherished moments that can never be reclaimed.

Q.7. What is referred to by the term ‘dramatic monologue’?

Answer- The term “dramatic monologue” refers to a poetic form in which a single character, usually the speaker, reveals their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a dramatic and often narrative manner.

Q.8. Name the poem by Tennyson which was written as an elegy for his friend, Arthur Hallam.

Answer- The poem written by Tennyson as an elegy for his friend Arthur Hallam is titled “In Memoriam A. H. H.”

Q.9. State the context of Alfred Tennyson’s poem, Tears, Idle Tears. (In around 50 words)

Answer– The context of Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Tears, Idle Tears” is a reflection on the poet’s nostalgic and melancholic feelings. It explores the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweet emotions associated with memories of past experiences, particularly the beauty and sadness of moments that can never be regained.

Q.10. Discuss the poetic techniques employed by Tennyson in the poem, Tears, Idle Tears. (In around 200 words)

Answer– In the poem “Tears, Idle Tears,” Alfred Tennyson employs several poetic techniques to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery. One notable technique is the use of vivid sensory details. Tennyson describes the “happy Autumn-fields” and uses visual imagery of a “beam glittering on a sail,” appealing to the reader’s senses and creating a vivid scene.

Another technique is the use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes. Tennyson compares the tears to “pearls” and describes them as “idle,” suggesting their gentle and purposeless nature. These comparisons enhance the imagery and convey a sense of delicate beauty.

Additionally, Tennyson employs repetition to emphasize certain phrases and create a musical rhythm. The repetition of the phrase “the days that are no more” reinforces the theme of nostalgia and longing, while the repetition of the word “sad” amplifies the emotional impact of the poem.

The poem also showcases Tennyson’s skillful use of enjambment, where lines flow into one another without punctuation. This technique adds a fluidity and natural rhythm to the poem, enhancing its lyrical quality.

Overall, Tennyson’s use of vivid imagery, figurative language, repetition, and enjambment contribute to the poem’s emotional resonance and create a captivating reading experience.

Q.11. Which period in Alfred Tennyson’s career is called the “ten years silence”? (In around 50 words)

Answer– The period in Alfred Tennyson’s career referred to as the “ten years silence” is the time between the harsh criticism he faced for his volume “Poems” in 1832 and his subsequent publication of new works in 1842. During this period, Tennyson withdrew from publishing and experienced emotional instability, grappling with a loss of direction in his writing.

Q.11. Which period in Alfred Tennyson’s career is called the “ten years silence”? (In around 50 words)

Answer– “Tears, Idle Tears” by Lord Alfred Tennyson is a reflective poem that explores the bittersweet nature of memories and the fleetingness of time. The speaker contemplates the beauty of the autumn fields, which triggers a flood of emotions and nostalgic thoughts about the past. The tears that well up in the speaker’s eyes are described as “idle tears,” suggesting they are not prompted by any immediate sadness but rather a deep longing for the days that are no more. The poem expresses the profound impact of cherished memories and the lingering sense of loss they evoke. It portrays the transient nature of human existence and the poignant beauty found in reminiscing about moments that can never be reclaimed.

Q.13. Explain with reference to the context the following:

“And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feign’d

On lips that are for others: deep as love,

Deep as first love and wild with all regret;

O Death in Life, the days that are no more”

Answer– In the given context from Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Tears, Idle Tears,” the speaker reflects on the intense emotions stirred by memories. In this part of the poem, the speaker describes the tears as being sweet and deep. The tears are compared to the imaginary tears that someone might pretend to have on their lips when they are pretending to be sad for someone else. The speaker also compares the depth of these tears to the depth of love, particularly the intense feelings of first love that are filled with a sense of longing and sadness. The phrase “O Death in Life” expresses the speaker’s feeling of being trapped in a life that feels empty and devoid of meaning without the past days that are no longer there. It conveys a sense of longing for the past and the intense emotions associated with lost moments and experiences.

Q.14. In what sense are the tears ‘idle’ in Tennyson’s poem Tears, Idle Tears? (In around 50 words)

Answer– In Tennyson’s poem, the tears are described as “idle” because they do not serve a practical or immediate purpose. They are not shed in response to a specific event or sadness. Instead, they are tears of nostalgic longing for the past, representing a sentimental and wistful emotion rather than a direct expression of sorrow. They are called “idle” because they arise from a contemplation of memories and evoke a sense of melancholic reflection rather than being driven by present circumstances.

Q.15. “As the title of the poem suggests, the poet expresses his feeling of sadness as well as sweetness.” Discuss with reference to Tennyson’s poem Tears, Idle Tears.

Answer– In Tennyson’s poem “Tears, Idle Tears,” the title itself hints at the poet’s complex emotions of both sadness and sweetness. The poem beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about the past. The tears mentioned in the poem represent a mixture of joy and sorrow, evoking a sense of longing for days gone by.

The poet expresses a deep sadness that stems from the realization that those cherished moments and experiences can never be relived. However, alongside the sadness, there is a sweet nostalgia, a recognition of the beauty and significance of those past memories. The tears are described as “idle” because they are not shed in response to a present sadness but rather as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the profound impact of cherished moments.

Through this juxtaposition of sadness and sweetness, the poem captures the complex and poignant emotions associated with reminiscing about the past. It reminds us to treasure and appreciate the fleeting beauty of life’s moments, even as they slip away.