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Alfred Lord Tennyson’s *In Memoriam A.H.H.*, a sprawling poetic sequence composed over nearly fifteen years (1833-1850) and published in 1850, is often categorized as an elegy, a lament for the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. However, to limit its scope to mere mourning would be a critical oversight. While undeniably rooted in personal grief, *In Memoriam* transcends the conventional boundaries of the elegiac form, becoming a deeply introspective exploration of Victorian religious doubt, the problem of suffering, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. This essay will argue that *In Memoriam* is not merely an elegy, but a profoundly philosophical poem, utilizing the personal loss as a catalyst for broader existential inquiry.
Defining Elegy and Philosophy in Poetry
Traditionally, an elegy is a mournful poem, typically lamenting the death of an individual. It often follows a structured form, moving through stages of grief – lament, praise of the deceased, and consolation. However, the elegiac form can also be used to explore broader themes of loss and mortality. Philosophy, in a literary context, refers to the exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophical poetry doesn’t necessarily offer definitive answers, but rather engages with these questions through imagery, symbolism, and intellectual argument.
The Elegiac Elements in *In Memoriam*
The poem undeniably possesses strong elegiac qualities. The initial sections are dominated by expressions of profound grief and loss following Hallam’s sudden death in 1833. Tennyson employs traditional elegiac tropes: the idealized portrayal of Hallam, the lament for his unrealized potential, and the speaker’s struggle to come to terms with his absence. For example, the opening stanzas directly address Hallam, expressing the shock and disbelief of his passing: “Strong Son of God, immortal Love! / From whom so fair a face was borrowed…” (Proem, lines 1-2). The recurring motifs of darkness, winter, and silence further reinforce the atmosphere of mourning. The poem also adheres to the elegiac tradition of public mourning, acknowledging the wider societal impact of Hallam’s death.
The Philosophical Depth of *In Memoriam*
However, *In Memoriam* quickly moves beyond a simple expression of grief. Tennyson uses Hallam’s death as a springboard to grapple with the intellectual and spiritual crises of the Victorian era. The poem is deeply concerned with the challenges posed by scientific advancements, particularly Darwin’s theory of evolution (though predating its publication in 1859, the intellectual currents were present), to traditional religious beliefs. Tennyson wrestles with the problem of evil, questioning how a benevolent God could allow suffering and death. He explores the nature of immortality, the possibility of communication with the dead, and the role of doubt in the search for faith.
The Struggle with Doubt and Faith
A central philosophical theme is the speaker’s agonizing struggle with doubt. Tennyson doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, he portrays a prolonged and often painful process of questioning and re-evaluation. Sections like CXLVIII ("Dear as the love that fills my soul") demonstrate the speaker’s fluctuating faith, oscillating between moments of certainty and despair. The poem’s fragmented structure, with its numerous short lyrics and digressions, mirrors the speaker’s fractured state of mind. The use of dramatic monologue allows Tennyson to explore the complexities of belief without imposing a single, authoritative perspective.
The Concept of Universal Brotherhood
Another key philosophical idea is the concept of universal brotherhood, which Tennyson arrives at through his contemplation of nature and the interconnectedness of all things. He suggests that God is not a distant, interventionist deity, but rather an immanent force present in the natural world. This realization leads to a sense of hope and reconciliation, culminating in the final section of the poem, where the speaker finds solace in the idea that death is not an end, but a transition to a higher state of being. The poem’s ending, with its call to “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,” (CXXV, line 1) encapsulates this philosophical resolution.
The Influence of Platonic and Idealist Thought
Tennyson’s philosophical leanings are also evident in his engagement with Platonic and Idealist thought. The poem frequently alludes to the realm of ideas and the search for ultimate truth. Hallam himself is often presented as an idealized figure, representing the highest aspirations of human intellect and morality. This idealization reflects Tennyson’s belief in the power of the mind to transcend the limitations of the material world.
Why the Philosophical Dimension Dominates
While the elegiac elements are crucial to the poem’s emotional power, it is the philosophical dimension that ultimately gives *In Memoriam* its enduring significance. The poem is not simply *about* Hallam’s death; it uses Hallam’s death as a catalyst for exploring universal questions about life, death, faith, and the human condition. The poem’s length, its complex structure, and its intellectual depth all point to a work that is primarily concerned with philosophical inquiry. The elegiac form serves as a vehicle for this inquiry, but it is ultimately subsumed by the poem’s broader philosophical ambitions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while *In Memoriam A.H.H.* undeniably functions as a powerful elegy, its scope extends far beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre. Tennyson masterfully utilizes the personal tragedy of Hallam’s death to embark on a profound philosophical journey, grappling with the intellectual and spiritual crises of his time. The poem’s enduring legacy lies not in its lament for a lost friend, but in its courageous and honest exploration of the fundamental questions that continue to confront humanity. It is, therefore, more accurately understood as a philosophical poem that utilizes the elegiac form to explore the complexities of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a world grappling with change.
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