# With a Copy of “In Memoriam” explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker offers a copy of Tennyson's 'In Memoriam' to a dear friend, reflecting on the poem's themes of grief, hope, and faith. The speaker acknowledges the friend's understanding of the poet's mourning and the spiritual consolation found in the work, ultimately wishing the friend joy, peace, and love in life and beyond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The poem emphasizes love that 'looks beyond the tomb' and offers hope and strength.

### Redemption and Grace

The speaker finds 'sublimer cheer' and 'light' in grief, pointing to spiritual restoration and grace.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who addresses the friend and reflects on the poem's meaning.

### Love

Referenced as 'his love who can restore all losses,' implying a divine or ultimate love.

## Key lines

> Dear friend, you love the poet’s song, And here is one for your regard.

Dear friend, since you appreciate poetry, I give you this poem.

_The speaker presents the book as a gift to a friend who values verse._

> How, while he gazes, something high, Something of Heaven has fallen on him, His distance and his future dim Broken into a dawning sky!

As the poet contemplates, a heavenly vision clarifies his obscure future into a hopeful dawn.

_Describes the moment of spiritual insight in Tennyson's poem._

> And may his love who can restore All losses, give all new good things, Like loving eyes and sheltering wings Be round us all for evermore!

May the love of God, who can heal all sorrows and grant new blessings, surround us always.

_A closing blessing invoking divine love and protection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/with-a-copy-of-in-memoriam
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters