Summary Of The Poem In Memoriam

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In memoriam is an elegy about Tennyson’s friend Arthur Henry Hallam, who also happened to be his sister’s fiancé. His death led to the birth of ‘In Memoriam’. This poem was written over a period of seventeen years. It encapsulates the poet’s emotions that vary from depth of sadness to happiness, despair onto hope. In his verses he plays various forces of nature to effectively portray his moods and emotions. The poet faces a tussle within himself, uncertainty to confidence surety and again tumultuous emotion where he wonders about his reason for living and the purpose of life. ‘La Memoriam Stanzas’ as the work is commonly referred to is a quatrain form the way the poem is written.
In focus on section 54 to 56 the great poet in his quest for consolation, and in a doubtful and pessimistic mood, tries to convince himself that the God has a plan and we humans need to understand the signals given by the almighty.

“ That nothing walks with aimless feet ; That not one life shall be destroyed, or cast as rubbish to the void, when God hath made the pile complete ;” The ingenuity of the poet comes across beautifully in his words, a sudden flash of optimism. Tennyson goes onto say that we are helpless and know nothing, but trust in almighty makes him believe that metaphorically every winter has a spring. An amalgamation of his emotions is seen in syntax, At last – far off – at last, to all, continues to say – And every winter change to spring. An intelligent combination of emotions and nature. Tennyson very aptly brings out his feelings. Again in the following lines he compares himself to an infant who incapable of words expresses his desire for brightness and light through desperate cries.
Painting nature as the villain he portrays God ...

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...oet is influenced by the literary works of Shakespeare- The Tempest. The play
Depicts that the wizard Prospero is stranded with his daughter Miranda on a magic
Island . One being, Caliban a humanoid who is miserable. He is uncomfortable about
Being under Prospero’s control. A good way of introspecting and understanding our relationship with God and divine powers that be.
Another historical influence on ‘Calibon upon Sebetos’ is Darwin’s origin of the species
Which brings forth the realization that man is not a direct creation by divine powers.
Browning’s thoughts in the monologue are centred on these two major facts that he
Discusses but does not give any conclusive answers, rather he brings about a
Contemplative thought process to the same. How, browning feels about God is unclear.
What I admire about the poem is that it compels us to analyze ourselves and think.

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