Tennyson by G.K. Chesterton (1903)
G.K. Chesterton's biography of Alfred Lord Tennyson provides a comprehensive overview of the poet's life and work, including his early years in Somersby, Lincolnshire, his time at Cambridge University, and his rise to fame as one of England's most celebrated poets. The book covers Tennyson's major works such as "In Memoriam," "The Idylls of the King," and "Maud," as well as his lesser-known pieces. Chesterton also delves into Tennyson's personal life, including his relationships with family members and fellow writers. Overall, the book offers a nuanced portrait of one of England's greatest literary figures.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1903 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Biography, Philosophy · 1,637 words
First lines
Mr. Morton Luce has written a short study of Tennyson which has considerable cultivation and suggestiveness, which will be sufficient to serve as a notebook for Tennyson's admirers, but scarcely sufficient, perhaps, to serve as a pamphlet against his opponents. If a critic has, as he ought to have, any of the functions anciently attributed to a prophet, it ought not to be difficult for him to prophesy that Tennyson will pass through a period of facile condemnation and neglect before we arrive at the true appreciation of his work. The same thing has happened to the most vigorous of essayists, Macaulay, and the most vigorous of romancers, Dickens, because we live in a time when mere vigour is considered a vulgar thing. The same idle and frigid reaction will almost certainly discredit the stateliness and care of Tennyson, as it has discredited the recklessness and inventiveness of Dickens. It is only necessary to remember that no action can be discredited by a reaction.
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Tennyson is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Biography, Philosophy, Cultural Commentary
- Length: 1,637 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The book is an analysis and critique of Tennyson's work, focusing on his poetic style, themes, and contributions to literature.
- Biography — The text provides insights into Tennyson's personal ideas and his position among poets, offering a biographical perspective.
- Philosophy — The work discusses philosophical themes such as the nature of poetry, the role of the poet, and the relationship between science and art.
- Cultural Commentary — The book comments on the cultural and societal context of Tennyson's time, including the interplay between science and religion.
Tags
poetry · Victorian · literary criticism · biography · Alfred Lord Tennyson · English literature · romanticism · nature · themes of love · heroism · mythology · philosophy