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JulianBell
Dr.Hall
APLiteratureandComposition
12February2016
Alfred,LordTennyson:AModernistbeforehisTimeWell,notReally
As the 19th century came to a close, authors, poets, artists, scientists, and politicians
alike, already began reinventing the world that previously confined them to a rigid system of
conformity. These individuals that would later be regarded as the pioneers of the 20th century
modernist movement, would have to experiment with new concepts without completely
obliterating the old, but instead, by often expanding upon that which already was in existence.
This was a rather delicate balance that soughttobeachieved,butwasneverthelessnecessaryfor
these creative minds to revolutionize humanity as they knew it. One such mind certainly
transformed the world around him through hispoetry,howeverthereisaminuteyet,significant
dilemma that must be resolved. Alfred, Lord Tennyson was not a modernist, at least by
definition, and although Tennysonswritingsenduredthroughthelateryearsofthe19thcentury,
he was at most, a Victorian poet. This is not to imply that Tennysons poetry did not contain
modernist inclinations, quite the contrary actually. However, as indicated in thetitle,Tennyson
was simply a modernist before his time, trapped in an era that just missed his genius by a few
years. Tennysons poem, Ulysses, certainly contained elements unique to the modernist and
perhaps, even facilitated the transition into modernism as the Victorian era concluded. Thus,
Tennysons Ulyssesprovided atemplateformoderniststouseinshapingthe20thcenturywith
brave, new ideas, which would inevitably shape the complexity currently associated with the

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21st century. Perhaps then, Tennyson was not only a modernist before his time, but also a
sculptor of the 21st century. After all, had it not been for some of Tennysons poetry, the
modernistmovementwouldbewithoutsomekeyconcepts.
Modernism, which began in 20th century Europe, was a social as well as an artistic
movement which provided innovative minds with the opportunity to redefine or rather create a
new world through which fresh ideas would endure and begin to shape humanity. This
experimentation with new ideas is understood as avantegarde, which in French, literallymeans
vanguard or foreguard. It is generally believed amongst literary experts, that the modernist
movement began around 1910, just before World WarI(BriefGuidetoModernism). During
this time period, an influx of unique concepts sweptacrossEurope. Withtheimplementationof
global warfare and dwindling foreign relations, modernismhasbeendescribedasaliteratureof
crisis (History of Modernism). From a personal standpoint, thisdescriptionofthemodernist
movement is quite accurate, considering the state of Europe at the time. It was during the
modernist movement that Europe would engage in one of the bloodiest wars of all time and
innovators quickly recognized a need for reform. Interestingly, the term modernism has two
distinct definitions, at least according to one art expert. One of them, as described above,
addresses the entire societal movement in Europe that essentially comprised of politicians,
artists,andwriters. However,inthepurelyartisticsenseoftheword,modernartsimplyrefersto
art that was appropriate or relevant to the time period in which it was conceived. In contrast,
paintings by Pablo Picasso would be considered abstract for instance, partly because they
reflected originality and uniqueness, instead of a style that hadbeenformerlyestablishedduring
his time. This art expert furtherassertsthatcertainartistssuchas JacquesLouis David,though

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not a modernist by formal definition or intent, held many modernist perspectives before the
movement officially began, a position that will be later discussed about Tennyson (Witcombe).
If one wishes to examine close enough, numerous parallels can be made between the Victorian
era in England and the modernist movement. It can further be understood that the Victorian era
notonlyprecededmodernism,buthelpedtocreateit.
The Victorian Era which preceded themodernistmovement,inevitablycultivated certain
ideas which would later shape the fundamental ideas of modernism. The English Victorian
period lasted from about 1830 1900. However, it should also be emphasized that this date is
merely anapproximationaswithother timeperiods(includingmodernism).Itisquitedifficultto
discretely define aparticularperiodandsimplysubjectittoacertainframeintime.Furthermore,
the Victorian period was somewhat comparable to modernism in that the primary focus was
change. With modernism, Albert Einstein changed the world withhistheoryofrelativitywhich
could be applied generally as well as scientifically. However, during the Victorian period,
named after Queen Victoria of England, CharlesDarwinbecame theleadingscientistatthetime
who introduced his theory of evolution and survival of the fittest partially through his book,
Origin of Species
. These ideas like Einsteins, were not only implemented into the scientific
realm, but also into Victorian society. Thus, commercial industry was valued over traditional
agricultural practices as harsh labor laws imposed on children, invoked reactions from literary
geniuses such as Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Barring Browning. Victorian society adopted
Darwins view of the strongest amongst them willsurvive andessentiallyreducedhumanbeings
to practicallyanimalsinsteadofthespiritualworshipersthechurchhademphasized(thoughwith
considerable hypocrisy). The Victorian period wasatimeofoptimismalthoughmanyVictorian

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authors would speak out about societys ills. Interestingly enough, later writers of the period
would be almost impossible to tell apart from the modernist(Victorian Literature). Alfred,
Lord Tennysons writing for instance, was prevalent for much of the later portion of the 19th
century as modernism awaited in the 20th century. However, the birth ofcubismasitrelatesto
modernismmustbediscussedbeforeTennysonspoetrycanbeanalyzed.

Cubism in art was what modernism was to authors and poets: A way to escape from

the old ways of perspective and venture (and experiment with) the new. The most well known
pioneers of cubism were Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Much of Picassos and Braques
work were heavily influenced by African art as well as oceanic sculpture. Forinstance,Picasso
was deeply fascinated with the art specifically associatedwiththeDanpeopleofAfrica.Picasso
was mesmerized with the intricate design associated with African masks.Artisticpiecessuchas
these provided both Picasso and Braque with a way in which to redefine artistic expression.
Thus, cubism was born and is considered to be the first style of abstract art. Cubism was
established around 1907 in Paris through the creative efforts of Picasso and Braque. Some
notable aspects of the cubist style include, but are not limitedtothefollowingcharacteristics:A
tendency towards collage, artisticworkthatisheavilyinfluencedbyothercultures, andmultiple
views of a subject displayed all atonce(CubismTheFirstStyle).Inessence,cubismwas a
form of modernism inthatalargeemphasis wasplacedonexperimentingwithbright,newideas.
As discussed in class, writers such as James Joyce made major contributions to the modernist
literary movement. Likewise, Picasso and Braque made comparable contributions in the realm
of art. Before Tennysons contribution to Victorian literature and inevitably to modernism is
discussed,abriefbiographicaloverviewofTennysonslifewilloccupythenextdiscussion.

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As mentioned previously, Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a Victorian poet whose numerous
works were deeply admired and respected by both Queen Victoria as well as the inhabitants of
England. Born on August 6th, 1809, Tennyson was the fourth oftwelvechildren.Hewasborn
in Somersby, Lincolnshire and was the son of George and Elizabeth. Tennysons family had a
predisposition to mental illness which was a constant source of anxiety for Tennyson. He was
constantly concerned that he would one day become mentally ill, specifically that he would
develop epilepsy which was considered a shameful disease at the time. Tennysons father and
his brother Edward suffered from mental illness and made their situations worse through
excessive drinking. Eventually, Tennysons father became increasingly violent, paranoid, and
abusive. Eventually, his brother was sent to a mental institution in 1833. I
n 1827 Tennyson
escaped the troubled atmosphere of his home whenhefollowedhistwoolderbrotherstoTrinity
College, Cambridge (Everett). Tennyson married Emily and she would later give birth to two
sons. Once the Tennysons were married, they went searching for a place to live. After
numerous disappointments upon seeing unfavorable homes, the Tennysons finally settled into
and purchased the Farringford home. It was in this home, that Tennysons second sonwasborn
and this location was also a site where he composed his poetry. In fact, Tennyson also loved
gardening and much of his poetry discussed certain plants that he held dear to his heart
(Ormond). As a great lover of poetry, Tennyson composed numerous works, many of which
were directly influenced by his life. Ulysses is one such poem that was not only inspired by
Tennysons life, but demonstrated some impressive modernist techniques prior to the official
birthofthemovement.Inthisrespect,Tennysonwasamodernistbeforehistime.

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Alfred, Lord Tennysons poem,Ulysses,projectsnumerousideasrelatedtomodernism

through the use of allusions to Greek mythology as well as prevailing heroic themes that favor
perseveranceandoriginality.Tennysoncommenceshispoeminthefollowingmanner:
Itlittleprofitsthatanidleking,
Bythisstillhearth,amongthesebarrencrags,
Matchdwithanagedwife,Imeteanddole
Unequallawsuntoasavagerace,
Thathoard,andsleep,andfeed,andknownotme(lines15).
The poem is clearly centered around the affairs of Homers Odysseus or Ulysses as it
maintains a single speaker throughout the entire poetic piece. However, this poem is also
reflective of Tennysons personal expedition as it was written soon after the death of his good
friend, Arthur Henry Hallam. Ulysses was written in 1833andpublishedin1842.Itisevident
that Tennyson finds similarities between hislife andthatoftheGreekheroOdysseus. Bothmen
understand the feeling of loss in their respective lives and perhaps, continue to strive to
understand lifes meaning despite these losses (Ulysses).

Nevertheless, through the

melancholy verses found in the first five lines of Ulysses, one can deduce thatOdysseus(and
Tennyson) long for more among these barren crags (line1). Thespeakerofthepoemgoeson
to state, Matchd with an aged wife, I mete and dole (line 3). The third line of the poem
directly relatestoTennysonsmarriagetohisownwifeaswellasOdysseussdilemmaregarding
his being reunited with Penelope. In essence, Tennyson and Odysseus must reunite with their
families during turbulent times. Finally, through the last two lines of this section, a modernist
technique is being incorporated in foreshadowing to the reader that despite the current times,

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there is still more to be found, learned, experienced, andachieved:Unequallawsuntoasavage

race, That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me (lines 45). The mostimpressionable
as wellasmemorableportionofthispoeticpieceisperhapsfoundtowardstheveryendingasthe
speakercloseswithaspiritofhopeanddetermination:

Tho'muchistaken,muchabidesandtho'
Wearenotnowthatstrengthwhichinolddays
Movedearthandheaven,thatwhichweare,weare
Oneequaltemperofheroichearts,
Madeweakbytimeandfate,butstronginwill
Tostrive,toseek,tofind,andnottoyield(lines6570).
ThesefinallinesofTennysonsUlyssespaintanimageofrebirthandrevitalizationinthemind
ofthereader.Modernismwasallaboutimprovement,strength,andtheoriginalityofbrave,new
Ideas.Wearenotnowthatstrengthwhichinolddaysmovedearthandheaven(lines6667).

Through these profound lines, Tennyson implies that there is more to be found,moretobegained
and more strength to be obtained. Tennyson does not let the reader know when, but he is
nevertheless hopeful and determined as Ulysses is in the
The Odyssey that even if hiscircumstance
does not change, maybe he will find a deeper meaning about life and his purpose. Nevertheless,as
modernism indicates, the fight must go on and the future must be painted through fresh new ideas
(Ulysses). As influential as Tennysons many writings wereandstillare,nopioneerofliterature
canescapethecriticismofthosewhoseemtodissectandanalyzetheireachandeverybreath.

There are varying opinions surrounding Tennysons poetry, especially when addressing his
poem, Ulysses. However, despite these variations in opinion,itisseldomdisputedthatTennyson
was a highly regarded and respectedVictorianpoetwhoseinfluencehascontinuedtotouchthelives
of people today. Interestingly, Tennyson was known to be exceptionally sensitive and even

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intolerant to criticism (Everett). Nevertheless, one literary critic regards TennysonsUlyssesasa

demonstration of an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Ulyssesassertsthatevenifhewasgiftedwith
innumerable lives, it would be inadequate to quench his insatiable thirst for the new avenues of
knowledge and experience (Rukhaya). However, other critics assume a much less optimistic
approach to Tennysons poetry. For instance, according to an associate professor of Oxford
University, Tennyson is considered one of the more unintelligible poets.Theprofessorgoes on to
state, Tennyson's poetry often conveys this sense of stupefying incapacity, of absence in the
present, which is an insight into a centralquestionofphenomenologicalphilosophy(Russell). The
next critique was written by a professor at Newcastle University. His writing provides biographical
information on Tennyson and his dearest friend and greatest inspiration, Arthur Hallam. There is
also a brief mentioning of the possibility of Tennyson having homosexual feelings for Hallam,
although this remains debated in the literary world as there is noconclusiveevidenceregardingthis
matter (Batchelor). Furthermore, Tennyson did not only inspire and influence writers in England,
but also numerous people in America as well. He was sopopular,infact,thatwriterHamiltonW.
Mabie could claim that Tennyson had more admirers inAmericathaninEngland,andhehadmore
admirers because he had more readers"(Henderson). In essence, Tennysonswidespreadpopularity
is undisputable and although some heavily critique his philosophical proclivities in his
writings,othersregardhimasthegreatestVictorianpoettohaveeverlived.

Clearly Alfred, Lord Tennyson helped facilitate the transition from the Victorian era to
modernism through his implementation of heroic and original ideologies through his poem,
Ulysses as well as through his many other writings. However, is it possible that Tennysons
writing helped to influence and shape the 21st century as we now understand it to be. This would
suggest that Tennysons poetry survived andperseveredthroughthreedifferenttimeperiods. Either
way, the real question is what time period are we currently in? When future literary critics write

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about the 21st century 100 years from now, what will they label this century as? What will this
century be known for, not just in the literary world, but in society as a whole? Perhaps the most
profound and exciting question is, who will be known as a future pioneer of literature? Only time
will answer these questions, but one thing is for sure: Tennysons poetry has and will continue to
shedlightonfuturestylesofwritingforthesculptorsofthefuture.

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WorksCited

"A Brief Guide to Modernism."

Poets.org
. Academy of American Poets, 21 May 2004. Web. 2
Feb.2016.
Batchelor, John. "'A Life Lived Quickly': Tennyson's Friend Arthur Hallam and His Legend."
Victorian Studies(Bloomington) 55 (2013): 156.
Proquest Learning Literature
. Web. 5
Apr.2016.
"CubismTheFirstStyleofAbstractArt."
ArtFactory.com
.N.p.,2016.Web.2Feb.2016.
Everett, Glenn. "Alfred Lord Tennyson: A Brief Biography."
The Victorian Web
. N.p., 30Nov.
2004.Web.3Feb.2016.
Henderson, Christina. "A Nation of the Continual Present: Timrod, Tennyson, and the
Memorialization of the Confederacy." Southern Literary Journal(Chapel Hill) 45 (2014):
19.
ProquestLearningLiterature
.Web.5Apr.2016.
"HistoryofModernism."
Mdc.edu
.N.p.,n.d.Web.2Feb.2016.
Ormond, Leonee. "Tennyson on the Isle ofWight."
Farringford
.FarringfordEstate,2013.Web.
3Feb.2016.
Rukhaya,M.K."PoetryAnalysis:Tennyson's"Ulysses""
BrightHubEducation
.SarahMalburg,
11Sept.2012.Web.3Feb.2016.

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Russell, David. "Stupid Like Tennyson." Raritan(New Brunswick) 35 (2015): 97.

Proquest
LearningLiterature
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"UlyssesbyAlfred,LordTennyson."
PoetryFoundation
.PoetryMagazine,2015.Web.2Feb.2016.
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TheLiteratureNetwork
.JalicInc.,2000.Web.3Feb.2016.
Witcombe, Christopher L.C.E. "The Roots of Modernism."
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