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Study Guide For Alfred Lord Tennyson In Memoriam Course Hero Study Guides

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Study Guide for Alfred, Lord Tennyson's In Memoriam (Course Hero Study Guides)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1437 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

In Memoriam is a long poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, written in memory of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. The poem is divided into 131 sections, each of which is a sonnet. The sonnets explore a wide range of emotions, from grief and despair to hope and acceptance.

Context

In Memoriam was written in the aftermath of Hallam's sudden death in 1833. Tennyson was deeply affected by the loss of his friend, and the poem is a powerful expression of his grief. The poem is also a meditation on the nature of death, the meaning of life, and the power of love.

Themes

The main themes of In Memoriam are grief, despair, hope, and acceptance. Tennyson explores these themes through the experiences of the speaker of the poem, who is a close friend of the deceased. The speaker's grief is palpable in the early sections of the poem, but over time he comes to terms with his loss and finds solace in his memories of his friend.

Style

In Memoriam is written in a variety of styles, from the elegiac to the meditative. The poem is full of rich imagery and symbolism, and Tennyson's use of language is often breathtaking. The poem is also notable for its musicality, and many of the sonnets have a haunting, elegiac quality.

Critical Reception

In Memoriam was a critical and commercial success when it was first published in 1850. The poem has been praised for its beauty, its emotional depth, and its philosophical insights. In Memoriam is now considered one of the greatest elegies in the English language.

Study Questions

1. How does Tennyson explore the theme of grief in In Memoriam? 2. What are some of the ways in which Tennyson uses imagery and symbolism in the poem? 3. How does the poem's structure contribute to its overall meaning? 4. What is the significance of the speaker's relationship with the deceased? 5. How does Tennyson's use of language contribute to the poem's impact?