1. Life and Major Works

Alfred Lord Tennyson was born on August 6th, 1809 in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England. He was the fourth of twelve children and the eldest son of George Clayton Tennyson and Elizabeth Fytche. Tennyson’s father was a rector and a major figure in the local community, though he suffered from depression and alcoholism. Tennyson’s mother was a great source of comfort and encouragement for him and his siblings.

Tennyson is remembered as one of the most famous poets of the Victorian era. His works are known for their romanticism and their engagement with the natural world. Some of his most famous works include “The Lady of Shalott”, “Ulysses”, and “In Memoriam A.H.H.” He was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1850 and held this post until his death in 1892.

2. Literary Influences

Tennyson was heavily influenced by the Romantic poets of the 18th and 19th centuries. He was particularly drawn to the works of Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Tennyson also drew inspiration from literature of the past, especially from the works of William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Geoffrey Chaucer.

Tennyson also drew from his own experiences and the world around him. He often wrote about his love of nature and his belief in the power of the imagination. He also wrote about his struggles with depression and his difficulty in finding contentment in life.

3. Legacy

Tennyson’s poems and other works have had a lasting influence on modern literature. His works have been adapted into operas, ballets, and musicals. His poems are still read and studied in schools and universities around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest English poets of all time.

Tennyson’s work has also been an influence on many other writers and poets. He has been credited for popularizing the use of blank verse in English poetry. He is also noted for his use of imagery and symbolism, as well as his exploration of the human condition.

4. Personal Life

Tennyson married Emily Sellwood in 1850. They had two sons and one daughter. Tennyson was a devoted father and was known to be very protective of his children. He was also a generous and kind friend to those he met throughout his life.

Tennyson was a prolific letter writer, often writing to his family and friends. He was known to be very private and he rarely gave interviews or attended public events. He was also a great lover of music, particularly the works of Beethoven and J.S. Bach.

5. Death and Legacy

Tennyson died on October 6th, 1892 at the age of 83. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, alongside other famous British authors including Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. The epitaph on his tombstone reads, “Nature and Art, His Two Great Masters.”

Tennyson’s legacy lives on through his works and the influence he has had on later writers and poets. His works are still studied, read, and celebrated around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest English poets of all time.