Crossing the Bar Analysis
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
Reference to Context
These lines are from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar”. The poem reflects on the inevitability of death, likening it to a peaceful voyage across the sea. Here, Tennyson uses imagery of the natural world to describe the transition from life to the afterlife, emphasizing calmness and acceptance.
Explanation
In these opening lines, the speaker sets the tone of the poem with a tranquil scene of sunset and the evening star, which symbolize the end of life. The “clear call” represents the call of death, which the speaker accepts without fear. They express a desire for their journey to the afterlife to be peaceful, with no “moaning of the bar.” The “bar” is a metaphor for the sandbar at the edge of the sea, which also symbolizes the boundary between life and death. The speaker wishes for no resistance or sorrow as they embark on this inevitable voyage.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery: The vivid depiction of “sunset,” “evening star,” and “put out to sea” creates a serene, peaceful setting.
Symbolism:
The “sunset” symbolizes the end of life.
The “evening star” represents guidance or the soul’s final destination.
The “bar” symbolizes the boundary between life and death.
Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds, such as “may” and “moaning,” enhances the musical quality of the lines.
Metaphor: The sea voyage represents the journey from life to death.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Reference to Context
These lines are from the second stanza of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar.” In this stanza, Tennyson describes death as a calm and natural process, using the imagery of a tide. The poet conveys a sense of peace and acceptance as life transitions into the afterlife.
Explanation
The speaker wishes for their passage from life to death to be as calm as a tide that appears to be “asleep,” moving gently without noise or disturbance. The phrase “too full for sound and foam” implies a tide so vast and still that it does not create waves or chaos, symbolizing a smooth and dignified transition.
The line “that which drew from out the boundless deep / Turns again home” suggests the cycle of life and death. Life originates from the “boundless deep” (symbolizing the eternal or divine) and eventually returns to it, highlighting the idea of returning to the source, often interpreted as God, eternity, or the afterlife.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery: The description of the tide as “asleep” and “too full for sound and foam” creates a serene visual and auditory image.
Personification: The tide is described as “moving” and “asleep,” giving it human-like qualities to evoke calmness.
Symbolism:
The “tide” represents the flow of life and death.
The “boundless deep” symbolizes eternity or the divine source of life.
Metaphor: The tide serves as a metaphor for the journey of the soul.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
Reference to Context
These lines are from the third stanza of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar.” In this stanza, the poet continues the metaphor of death as a journey, expressing a desire for a peaceful and undisturbed farewell as he embarks on this final voyage.
Explanation
The “twilight” and “evening bell” symbolize the close of the day, which serves as a metaphor for the end of life. Twilight represents the transition period before death, while the evening bell might signify a traditional ritual or tolling for the end of a life. The phrase “after that the dark” represents death itself, portrayed not as something to fear but as a natural and inevitable part of the journey.
The speaker wishes for “no sadness of farewell” when they “embark” on this journey. The word “embark” continues the metaphor of setting out to sea, signifying the beginning of the soul’s journey into the afterlife. The speaker hopes for acceptance and calmness from loved ones, avoiding grief and sorrow.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery: The “twilight,” “evening bell,” and “dark” create a vivid, serene picture of the end of life.
Symbolism:
“Twilight” and “evening bell” symbolize the transition from life to death.
“The dark” represents death or the unknown afterlife.
Metaphor: Death is metaphorically described as a journey, likened to setting sail at twilight.
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Reference to Context
These are the concluding lines of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar.” Here, the poet reflects on the inevitability of death and expresses his faith and hope for a spiritual reunion with his “Pilot,” symbolizing God or a divine guide, after crossing the metaphorical “bar” of life.
Explanation
The speaker acknowledges that death will take them far beyond the physical boundaries of “Time and Place,” representing the mortal world. The “flood” symbolizes the powerful, unstoppable force of death, carrying the speaker away from life. Despite this, the speaker expresses hope and faith in meeting their “Pilot” face to face. The “Pilot” is commonly interpreted as God or a higher spiritual presence who guides the soul through life and into the afterlife.
The phrase “when I have crost the bar” refers to crossing the sandbar, a metaphor for the transition from life to death. The speaker’s hope to see the “Pilot” reflects a deep faith and trust in the divine, as well as a sense of comfort and assurance about what lies beyond death.
Poetic Devices:
Symbolism:
The “bourne of Time and Place” symbolizes the physical and temporal limits of life.
The “flood” represents death as an inevitable, all-encompassing force.
The “Pilot” symbolizes God or a spiritual guide.
The “bar” represents the boundary between life and death.
Metaphor: The journey of the soul is compared to crossing the sea, with death as the passage.
Personification: The “flood” is described as bearing the speaker far, giving it human-like agency.
Alliteration: The repetition of “f” sounds in “flood may bear me far” adds a gentle rhythm.
Key Points
Author:
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) was a prominent Victorian poet and Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom.
He wrote “Crossing the Bar” in 1889, at the age of 80, during a ferry ride to the Isle of Wight.
This poem is often interpreted as his farewell to life and has been placed as the final poem in all editions of his collected works, per his request.
Structure and Form:
The poem consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas).
It follows a regular rhyme scheme: ABAB in each stanza.
The meter is predominantly iambic with variations that add a natural, reflective rhythm.
Speaker:
The speaker is reflective and introspective, likely representing Tennyson himself.
They express acceptance of death and hope for spiritual guidance in the afterlife.
The tone and language suggest someone who is calm, wise, and full of faith.
Setting:
The poem’s setting is metaphorical, using the imagery of the sea, tides, and twilight to evoke the transition from life to death.
References to “sunset,” “evening star,” and “dark” create a serene, universal backdrop that symbolizes the end of life.
Theme:
Mortality and Death: The poem portrays death as a natural and peaceful transition.
Faith and Hope: The speaker’s trust in meeting the “Pilot” suggests faith in divine guidance and an afterlife.
Acceptance of Life’s Cycle: It reflects the inevitability of life’s end and the continuity of existence.
Plot:
The speaker describes a tranquil evening scene (sunset, evening star) as a metaphor for the end of life.
They hope for a smooth, calm passage (symbolized by the tide) when they cross the “bar” (a metaphor for death).
They express a desire for no sadness or mourning during their departure.
The speaker concludes with hope and faith in meeting their “Pilot” (God) after death.
Tone:
The tone is calm, reverent, and accepting, creating a sense of peace about death.
It avoids fear or sadness, instead emphasizing tranquility and faith.
Style:
The poem uses simple, direct language that conveys profound ideas with clarity.
Rich imagery (sunset, tides, and the sea) and symbolism create a vivid, meditative atmosphere.
The metaphor of the sea is central, representing life, death, and the eternal journey of the soul.
Alliteration and soft consonant sounds enhance the soothing rhythm.
Message:
The poem conveys that death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of life.
It encourages faith in a higher power and trust in the guidance of the “Pilot” (God).
Tennyson presents death as a return to the eternal source, where one finds peace and spiritual fulfillment.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Early Life:
Born on August 6, 1809, in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England.
Tennyson was the fourth of twelve children in a large, literary family. His father, George Clayton Tennyson, was a clergyman.
He showed a talent for poetry from a young age and began writing verses as a child.
He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he became part of the Apostles, an intellectual discussion group.
Literary Career:
Tennyson published his first poetry collection, Poems by Two Brothers, in 1827, alongside his brothers Charles and Frederick.
His breakthrough came with the publication of Poems, Chiefly Lyrical in 1830, followed by Poems (1842), which included famous works like “Ulysses.”
He became Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1850, succeeding William Wordsworth. He held the position until his death, making him one of the longest-serving laureates.
Major Works:
In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850): An elegy written in memory of his close friend Arthur Hallam, exploring themes of grief, love, and faith.
The Charge of the Light Brigade (1854): A famous war poem commemorating a tragic military blunder during the Crimean War.
Idylls of the King (1859–1885): A series of narrative poems retelling the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Crossing the Bar (1889): A reflective poem on death, considered his poetic farewell.
Personal Life:
Tennyson married Emily Sellwood in 1850, and they had two sons, Hallam and Lionel.
Despite his literary success, he struggled with depression and self-doubt throughout his life.
Legacy:
Tennyson is regarded as one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era.
His works are celebrated for their rich imagery, lyrical beauty, and exploration of themes like mortality, nature, faith, and the human condition.
He was honored with the title Baron Tennyson of Aldworth and Freshwater in 1884, becoming the first English writer elevated to the peerage.
Death:
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, passed away on October 6, 1892, at the age of 83.
He was buried in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, alongside other great English poets. His work continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Moaning | A sound of sorrow or pain; expressing grief | कराहना, दुख प्रकट करना |
| Bar | A sandbank or barrier in the sea; a boundary | रेतीली पट्टी, सीमा |
| Put out | To set off on a journey, especially by sea | यात्रा पर निकलना |
| Tide | The rise and fall of sea levels caused by the moon | ज्वार-भाटा |
| Drew | Pulled or attracted something | खींचा, आकर्षित किया |
| Twilight | The time between sunset and darkness | गोधूलि, संध्या |
| Farewell | A goodbye or departure | विदाई |
| Embark | To begin a journey, especially by boat | यात्रा शुरू करना, जहाज पर चढ़ना |
| Tho’ | Short form of “though”; meaning “although” | यद्यपि |
| Bourne | A boundary or destination | सीमा, गंतव्य |
| Bear | To carry or move something from one place to another | ले जाना, सहन करना |
| Pilot | A guide or navigator, here referring to God | मार्गदर्शक, पायलट (भगवान का प्रतीक) |
| Crost | Archaic spelling of “crossed”; meaning to pass over | पार किया |
