# To a Critic of Tennyson explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief poetic rebuke to a critic of Tennyson, suggesting that those who lack wisdom and genius should not presume to judge or outshine their betters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The poem directly addresses a critic of Tennyson, defending the genius of the poet against the 'affronting fool' who dares to criticize.

## Key lines

> Affronting fool, subdue your transient light; When Wisdom’s dull dares Folly to be bright?

You insulting fool, dim your fleeting brilliance; why would dull wisdom dare to let folly shine?

_The speaker chastises the critic for presuming to judge a greater poet._

> If Genius stumble in the path to fame ’Tis decency in dunces to go lame.

If a genius falters on the road to renown, it is only proper for fools to limp along as well.

_The speaker argues that those without genius should not criticize the occasional missteps of a true talent._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/to-a-critic-of-tennyson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters