Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which Alfred, Lord Tennyson poems remain especially well known?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Portrait of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, lithograph published in The Modern Portrait Gallery, 1890.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the preeminent poet of the Victorian age, is celebrated for his metrical variety and rich imagery. Several of his works remain particularly well known today:
- Ulysses: A famous dramatic monologue reflecting on aging and the desire for exploration.12
- The Charge of the Light Brigade: A renowned poem commemorating the heroism of British soldiers during the Crimean War.13
- In Memoriam: A profound, extensive elegy written for his friend Arthur Hallam, which explores themes of grief, faith, and evolution.14
- The Lady of Shalott: A narrative poem drawing on Arthurian legend that depicts the life of an imprisoned maiden.15
- The Lotos-Eaters: A notable work recognized for its lyrical quality.12
- Crossing the Bar: A famous short poem written late in his life regarding mortality.14
- Idylls of the King: A series of connected poems that survey the legend of King Arthur.14