Tennyson a real genius or merely a man
Alfred lord Tennyson's work has been read in the classroom but some critics believe that his work was not orchestrated nor planned; some even imply that he had little idea of what he was doing. Personally I believe that he is a talented writer who has been underestimated because of his early works.
In the poem "Tears Idle Tears" the first two lines have a great example of ambiguity (Ruby 225). Tennyson tells how the tears are idle this but could be interpreted a number of different ways (Ruby 225) (Brooks 248). Because of the word idle has so many definitions it is difficult for readers and critics alike to accurately determine what the author was trying to say; even professional critics like Cleanth Brooks have trouble interpreting what authors like Tennyson are writing (Ruby 225). Tennyson also uses paradox to effectively to convey happiness and sadness at the same time in like two.
Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, by George Fre...
Carbon print of Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1869, printe...
English: Alfred Tennyson, British poetIt is believed by many that in this line he is referring to the death and memories of his good friend Hallam which triggered a bitter sweet feeling (Miller 1). Tennyson uses personification in order to show his personal feelings about the autumn fields (Brooks 248). Some critics make the connection that Tennyson friend Hallam was buried not far from a field in the fall (Ruby 226). Another reason why many critics believe that Tennyson is referring to the death of Hallam is because of line seven and nine which he states "that brings our friends from the underworld... that sinks with all we love below the verge" this example leads critics to believe that Tennyson is referring to death and his friend Hallam (Brooks 246). In line eleven Tennyson uses paradox when he states "as...