A Critical Analysis Of Tensions In Memorial A. H. H. :: essays research papers fc

A Critical Analysis of stresss In Memorial A. H. H.During the Victorian Period, long held and comfortable religious beliefsfell nether great scrutiny. An early blow to these beliefs came from theUtilitarian, followers of Jeremy Bantam, in the form of a test by reason of manyof the long-standing institutions of England, including the church. When seenthrough the eyes of reason, worship became merely an outmoded superstition(Ford & Christ 896). If this were not enough for the sure to contend with,the torch of doubt was soon passed to the scientists. Geologists werepublishing the results of their studies which concluded that the kingdom was farolder than the biblical accounts would have it (Ford & Christ 897). Astronomerswere extending humanitys knowledge of prima(p) distances, and Natural Historians such as Charles Darwin were swiftly building theories of evolution that defiedthe experienced Testament version of creation (Ford & Christ 897). matinee idol seemed to be adjournment before a panicked Englands very eyes, replaced by the vision of acold, mechanistic universe that cared little for our existence.Alfred, Lord Tennyson was painfully aware of the implications of such auniverse, and he struggled with his own doubts about the existence of God. Weglimpse oftentimes of his struggles in the poem In Memorial A. H. H., written in retrospect of his deceased friend, Arthur Hallam. The poem seemed to be catharticfor Tennyson, for through its writing he not only found an outlet for his griefover Hallams death, besides also managed to regain the faith which seemed at timesto have throw out him. Tennyson regained and firmly reestablished his faiththrough the formation of the idea that God is conciliate with the mechanisticuniverse through a divine plan of evolution, with Hallam as the potential linkto a greater race of humans however to come.In the first of many lyric units, Tennysons faith in God and Jesusseems strong. He speaks of Believing where we cannot prove (l. 4), and issure that God sag not leave us in the dust (l. 9). The increasing curseposed to religion by science does not worry Tension here, as he believes thatour increasing knowledge of the universe can be reconciled with faith, sayingLet knowledge grow from more to more, provided more of reverence in us dwell That mind and soul, accord well, May make one music as before (1. 25-28).He does anticipate doubt, though, as he asks in advance for Gods forgivenessfor the Confusions of a wasted youth (l. 42).