# Tennyson explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

A poetic tribute to Alfred Lord Tennyson upon his death, celebrating his soul's journey from earthly shores to heavenly light, his mastery of music and art, and the profound silence left behind for those who mourn, while heavenly voices welcome him beyond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grief and Memory

The poem dwells on the silence and voiceless grief left by Tennyson's death, while honoring his memory.

### Art and Poetic Vocation

Tennyson is celebrated as a 'brother of the greatest poets,' true to nature and art, whose soul grew to music.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker mourns Tennyson's passing and reflects on his legacy.

## Key lines

> From the misty shores of midnight, touched with splendours of the moon, To the singing tides of heaven, and the light more clear than noon, Passed a soul that grew to music till it was with God in tune.

Tennyson's soul journeyed from the dim, moonlit earthly realm to the radiant, singing heavens, having become so harmonious that it was in perfect accord with God.

_Describes the transition of Tennyson's spirit from life to divine afterlife._

> Brother of the greatest poets, true to nature, true to art; Lover of Immortal Love, uplifter of the human heart; Who shall cheer us with high music, who shall sing, if thou depart?

Tennyson was a peer of the finest poets, faithful to both nature and art, a devotee of eternal love who elevated humanity; his departure leaves a void in who will inspire us with noble song.

_Highlights Tennyson's poetic kinship, virtues, and the loss felt by his absence._

> Silence here⁠—for love is silent, gazing on the lessening sail; Silence here⁠—for grief is voiceless when the mighty minstrels fail; Silence here⁠—but far beyond us, many voices crying, Hail!

On earth, love and grief fall silent as Tennyson's ship fades from view, but in the distance beyond, countless voices joyfully welcome him.

_Contrasts earthly mourning with heavenly celebration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/tennyson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters