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Why was Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s engagement to Emily Sellwood delayed?

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Lithograph portrait of Alfred, Lord Tennyson with wavy hair, a full beard, and a serious expression, shown in three-quarter view wearing a dark coat. — Alfred, Lord Tennyson Portrait of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, lithograph published in *The Modern Portrait Gallery*, 1890.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s engagement to Emily Sellwood was delayed primarily due to her father’s disapproval of the poet. Emily’s father objected to Tennyson’s lifestyle and personal characteristics, specifically citing his bohemianism, his use of tobacco and port, and his liberal religious views.1

These concerns led Emily’s father to forbid the couple from corresponding in 1840, effectively halting their relationship for a period of time.1