Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Idylls of the King: Dedication” was written by Alfred Tennyson and first published in 1859. This poem is the preface to a larger work, “Idylls of the King,” which is a series of narrative poems that retell the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Tennyson was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland at the time of the poem’s publication, and he had already established himself as one of the leading poets of the Victorian era.

Content:

“Idylls of the King: Dedication” is a tribute to the figure of King Arthur and the enduring power of his legend. Tennyson sees Arthur as a symbol of nobility, chivalry, and the pursuit of virtue in the face of adversity. The poem emphasizes the importance of memory and storytelling in preserving the values and lessons of the past, and encourages the reader to seek out the wisdom and inspiration contained in the tales of King Arthur.

Form:

“Idylls of the King: Dedication” is written in free verse and does not have a consistent rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and subject matter. The first stanza is addressed to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, and is written in praise of his character and achievements. The second stanza is addressed to the Queen and describes the role of poetry in preserving the memory of great leaders and historical events. The third stanza is a meditation on the nature of truth and how it can be distorted by the passage of time. The final stanza is addressed to the reader and encourages them to seek out the wisdom and inspiration contained in the tales of King Arthur.

Poetic Elements:

Tennyson employs a variety of poetic techniques in “Idylls of the King: Dedication,” including allusion, metaphor, and repetition. The poem is rich with references to classical mythology, history, and literature, underscoring Tennyson’s belief in the importance of tradition and the power of the past to inform and inspire the present. The use of repetition in the final stanza, with the repeated phrase “Follow the Christ,” emphasizes the poem’s spiritual and moral message.

Summary:

“Idylls of the King: Dedication” is a well-crafted poem that reflects Tennyson’s preoccupation with themes of history, tradition, and the role of the poet in society. The poem’s complex structure and use of poetic techniques reveal Tennyson’s skill as a writer, while its moral and spiritual message speaks to his vision of poetry as a force for social and cultural uplift. As the preface to a larger work, “Idylls of the King: Dedication” sets the stage for Tennyson’s ambitious retelling of the Arthurian legend and affirms his place as one of the leading poets of the Victorian era.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...