Shattered Emotions

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    'Break, Break, Break' is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which was written in 1842. Tennyson was an English poet, who was leading the Victorian Poetry in England. His poetry is well known for its rich imagery and verbal melodies, and it dealt with human nature and destiny in a time where they were increasingly called into question by science and modern progress. This poem is a great example of elegy as Tennyson expresses his grief to lament the death of his dear friend, Arthur Hallam. By looking into the inner conflict of the narrator and his views on the life he will live without his beloved friend, the messages conveyed by Tennyson can be understood psychologically.

    Basically, this poem carries the emotional impact that is reflected on the loss of a beloved person someone cares for. Tennyson, throughout his short poem, mourns the death of Hallam. Therefore, he repeats the word ‘break’ in the opening and final stanzas to stress his shattered emotions. By this repetition, Tennyson denotes the low-spirited atmosphere upon which the elegy rests. His words carry a sad and nostalgic tone that accurately delivers his gloomy emotions to the reader. Then he uses the adjectives ‘grey and cold’ to describe how he views the rocks onto which the sea breaks to express how desperate he is. He also depicts the visual images of the sea to let the reader sense the way he feels towards his friend’s death, which undoubtedly affects his psyche. Using words like ‘would’ and ‘could’ indicates to what extent Tennyson is shocked by the death of his friend that expressing his feelings is beyond his abilities. Moreover, calling the sea, ‘O Sea’, means that the poet feels that no one is beside him to mourn the death of his deceased friend, which indicates how he feels lonely due to these circumstances. Mentioning the fisherman’s boy, his sister, and the boat shows that Tennyson admits that everything has remained unaffected but him. It is clear that, throughout the lines, he compares nature to his friend who passed away. Thus, he draws a conclusion that nothing stays for long and everything comes to an end. To sum up, Tennyson’s “Break, Break, Break” is a gloomy and depressing poem in which Tennyson expresses his feelings in an impressive manner.

 

Works cited:

Tennyson as a Victorian poet and critical appreciation of his poem "Break, Break, Break". INDIA STUDY CHANNEL, Sep23, 2012. https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/155755-Tennyson-as-a-Victorian-poet-and-critical-appreciation-of-his-poem-Break-Break-Break-.aspx

Break break Alfred Tennyson This short poem carries. Slide To Doc, https://slidetodoc.com/break-break-alfred-tennyson-this-short-poem-carries/.


Comments

  1. Salma RedaNovember 20, 2021 at 10:40 PM

    Tennyson's desperation is seeping through each and every line in this poem. Moreover, addressing the ecological issues that were caused by the industrialization and using digression in favor of his society, while going through such a painful ordeal, truly makes this poem ageless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salma MustafaNovember 26, 2021 at 5:26 PM

      This is exactly why I liked this poem. I am glad you got the idea.

      Delete
  2. Mariam Mohamed HosnyNovember 20, 2021 at 10:42 PM

    I think this poem is a great example of an elegy poem. It has all the characteristics of an elegy; The poet laments his friend, and it has no plot. In addition, musicality is shown in a high degree. On the other hand, the poem has a sense of Romanticism since it has an imaginary dialogue with the sea.

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    Replies
    1. Salma MustafaNovember 26, 2021 at 5:28 PM

      Yes it is! I felt the love he had for his friend through his lamenting and this was amazing.

      Delete
  3. FarahemadNovember 20, 2021 at 10:48 PM

    Although I am not interested in gloomy poems, Tennyson’s style is elegant and convincing that it directly drew my attention.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salma MustafaNovember 26, 2021 at 5:31 PM

      Yes, the way he wrote such an elegy poem; sad yet so romantic is legendary.

      Delete
  4. Fatema MuhammadNovember 20, 2021 at 11:36 PM

    This poem creates a vivid picture that reaches the reader. Despite the fact that his companion was not physically present, the poet could recall the touch and the time spent with him. As he recalls his time with his companion, the poet is in a condition of pain and grief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salma MustafaNovember 26, 2021 at 5:35 PM

      I totally agree with you. I felt his sadness for his beloved friend through his words and they deeply touched my heart.

      Delete

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