Tennyson and Browning

 

Q-1)Justify Tennyson as the representative literary figure of the Victorian Era.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson is widely considered a representative literary figure of the Victorian Era due to his ability to capture the social, intellectual, and cultural shifts of the time in his poetry. His works reflect the concerns of the period, including the tension between traditional religious faith and emerging scientific discoveries, the complexities of social progress, and the deep sense of national pride and imperialism.

Firstly, Tennyson's poetry reflects the Victorian struggle with faith and science, particularly in works like "In Memoriam," which grapples with personal grief and the question of life after death. This poem, along with others, navigates the emotional and intellectual crises brought about by the rise of Darwinian theory and the erosion of certainty in religious beliefs. Tennyson's exploration of doubt, faith, and the search for meaning resonated with many Victorians who were facing similar anxieties about the implications of scientific progress on established religious dogma.

Moreover, Tennyson's work captures the 'Victorian ideals of duty, morality, and progress'. In poems like "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Idylls of the King," he reflects the values of heroism, sacrifice, and national pride that were central to the British imperialist spirit of the time. These works celebrate the virtues of courage and loyalty, while also conveying a sense of the moral complexities and the consequences of war. In "Idylls of the King," Tennyson adapts the Arthurian legends to reflect Victorian concerns about social order and the quest for moral perfection.

Tennyson's 'command of form and style' also makes him a quintessential Victorian poet. His mastery of traditional verse forms, along with his ability to experiment with meter and rhyme, made his poetry both accessible and refined. His works were widely read, and he became the poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 1850, symbolizing his recognition as a leading voice of the age.

Furthermore, Tennyson's sensitivity to the changing social landscape of the Victorian era is evident in his portrayal of women and social roles. In poems like "The Princess," he addresses issues related to gender and the changing roles of women, capturing the evolving debates about women's education and independence in the context of Victorian society.

Overall, Tennyson encapsulates the complexity of the Victorian era: its struggles with faith, its celebration of progress and heroism, and its examination of social and moral issues. His ability to address both personal and societal concerns with deep emotional resonance and intellectual depth establishes him as a representative literary figure of the period.

Q-2) Pick a poem written by Robert Browning and discuss its thematic concerns.

One of Robert Browning’s most famous poems is "My Last Duchess", which is part of his 1842 collection Dramatic Lyrics. The poem is a dramatic monologue in which the Duke of Ferrara speaks to an emissary about a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess. Through the Duke's words, Browning explores themes of power, jealousy, control, and the objectification of women.

Thematically, "My Last Duchess" delves into the abuse of power and the corruption of authority. The Duke, who is speaking, reveals that he had his wife killed because she was too independent and too free with her affection, not reserved only for him. He describes how the Duchess treated all people equally, smiling and showing kindness to others without giving him the special attention he believed he deserved. This suggests a theme of possessiveness and control : the Duke believes he has the right to control his wife's behavior and that her affections should be entirely his to command. His cold, detached recounting of her death, along with his casual reference to arranging another marriage, underscores his view of women as possessions to be owned and displayed.

The poem also explores the fragility of power and the way the Duke’s self-image is intertwined with his control over others. The Duke’s obsession with the portrait of the Duchess reflects his desire to possess her image even after her death, maintaining control over her even in memory. His pride in the portrait, which he shows to the emissary, highlights his need to display his power and wealth, as he mentions that the artist "called that spot / Of joy into the Duchess' cheek," emphasizing how he controls the narrative of her life and death.

Another important theme is the objectification of women. The Duchess is never named, and the Duke’s focus is solely on her appearance and how she served his ego. His treatment of her as an object to be admired and controlled reflects broader Victorian attitudes towards women’s roles in society—subservient to men’s desires and needs.

Finally, the poem offers a psychological portrait of the Duke. Through his monologue, Browning gives us insight into the Duke’s disturbed mind, where arrogance, entitlement, and a lack of empathy create a chilling atmosphere. The Duke’s obsessive need for control over others, his inability to empathize with his wife’s perspective, and his complete detachment from the consequences of his actions make him a compelling, albeit disturbing, character.

In summary, "My Last Duchess" examines complex themes of power, jealousy, control, and objectification, while also offering a window into the psyche of a deeply flawed and manipulative individual. Browning’s use of the dramatic monologue form allows readers to explore the Duke's character and his attitudes toward women, providing a profound critique of the social and gender dynamics of the time.