The Lotos-Eaters Analysis
Stanza 1
“Courage!” he said, and pointed toward the land,
“This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.”
In the afternoon they came unto a land
In which it seemed always afternoon.
All round the coast the languid air did swoon,
Breathing like one that hath a weary dream.
Full-faced above the valley stood the moon;
And like a downward smoke, the slender stream
Along the cliff to fall and pause and fall did seem.
Reference to Context
These lines are from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem The Lotos-Eaters, which is inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. The poem describes the arrival of Odysseus and his sailors at a mysterious land called the Lotos-land. This land is a dreamlike place that tempts the weary sailors with rest and forgetfulness. In this excerpt, Odysseus encourages his tired crew as they approach the shore, setting the stage for their encounter with the enchanting and lethargic Lotos-land.
Explanation
“Courage!” he said, and pointed toward the land,
“This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.”
These opening lines capture the leadership and determination of Odysseus. He motivates his sailors, who are exhausted from their long and perilous journey at sea, to stay strong as they near land. The imagery of “mounting wave” symbolizes the transition from the turbulent hardships of their voyage to the calm and tranquility of the Lotos-land. Odysseus reassures them that their struggles will soon be over, and they will find respite on solid ground. This encouragement is significant as it contrasts with the later temptation to abandon their mission entirely.
“In the afternoon they came unto a land
In which it seemed always afternoon.”
As the sailors reach the Lotos-land, the poet creates a vivid and surreal atmosphere. The description of a perpetual afternoon suggests a timeless and unchanging environment, symbolic of rest and detachment from reality. Afternoon is often associated with lethargy and relaxation, setting the tone for the enchantment and seduction of the Lotos-land. This land, untouched by the passage of time, becomes a metaphor for escape from the burdens of human life.
“All round the coast the languid air did swoon,
Breathing like one that hath a weary dream.”
The air itself is personified as “languid” and “swooning,” evoking a sense of heavy stillness and lethargy. The simile “breathing like one that hath a weary dream” adds to the dreamlike quality of the Lotos-land, as if the air is alive but deeply tired. This creates a hypnotic effect, foreshadowing how the sailors will succumb to the drowsy charm of the land. The personification of the air reflects the all-encompassing nature of the lethargy in the Lotos-land, as if the environment itself is drawing the sailors into its spell.
“Full-faced above the valley stood the moon;”
The moon, described as “full-faced,” adds to the surreal and static atmosphere of the Lotos-land. Normally associated with night, the moon here stands motionless in the daytime sky, reinforcing the idea of timelessness. Its stillness mirrors the unchanging nature of the Lotos-land, where the passage of time seems irrelevant. The moon also lends a mystical quality to the setting, emphasizing that this is not a normal place but one that exists outside the natural world.
“And like a downward smoke, the slender stream
Along the cliff to fall and pause and fall did seem.”
The stream flowing down the cliff is compared to “downward smoke,” using a simile to highlight its delicate and hypnotic movement. The repetition in “to fall and pause and fall” mimics the slow, rhythmic motion of the water, creating a soothing and meditative image. This reinforces the lethargic and timeless nature of the Lotos-land. Even the stream appears hesitant, as if it is trapped in the same dreamy state as the rest of the land. This description immerses the reader in the setting’s tranquility, reflecting the sailors’ growing temptation to rest and remain in this place.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
Visual Imagery:
“In the afternoon they came unto a land / In which it seemed always afternoon” creates a timeless, dreamlike visual of perpetual calm.
“Full-faced above the valley stood the moon” evokes a serene image of the moon, suggesting an unchanging, magical environment.
“Like a downward smoke, the slender stream” provides a delicate and ethereal picture of the stream’s gentle flow.
Tactile Imagery:
“The languid air did swoon” conveys a heavy, drowsy feeling, immersing the reader in the oppressive tranquility of the Lotos-land.
Auditory Imagery:
“Breathing like one that hath a weary dream” gives the air a faint, rhythmic sound, akin to the soft exhalation of someone in deep sleep.
Simile
“Breathing like one that hath a weary dream”:
The air is compared to a person dreaming, emphasizing the lethargic and otherworldly atmosphere of the land.
“Like a downward smoke, the slender stream”:
The stream’s flow is compared to smoke, highlighting its slow, delicate movement, reinforcing the land’s unhurried and tranquil nature.
Personification
“The languid air did swoon”:
The air is given human qualities of swooning and breathing, imbuing the environment with life and emphasizing the overwhelming drowsiness of the Lotos-land.
“Breathing like one that hath a weary dream”:
The air is personified as being tired and dreamy, deepening the land’s hypnotic allure.
Repetition
“To fall and pause and fall”:
The repetition of “fall” mimics the gentle, rhythmic motion of the stream, creating a soothing and hypnotic effect that mirrors the land’s tranquility.
Symbolism
“Always afternoon”:
Symbolizes a timeless, unchanging state, where life is perpetually calm and detached from reality.
“The moon stood full-faced”:
The moon’s presence during the day represents the surreal and magical nature of the Lotos-land, where normal time and reality seem suspended.
“Downward smoke”:
Symbolizes impermanence and ephemerality, suggesting that the Lotos-land is an escape from the solidity of real life.
Alliteration
“Slender stream” and “seemed always afternoon”:
The repeated s and a sounds evoke a soft, tranquil mood.
Contrast
The earlier “mounting wave” symbolizing action and struggle contrasts with the stillness of “always afternoon” and the “languid air,” emphasizing the stark difference between the sailors’ harsh journey and the inviting tranquility of the Lotos-land.
Stanza 2
A land of streams! some, like a downward smoke,
Slow-dropping veils of thinnest lawn, did go;
And some thro’ wavering lights and shadows broke,
Rolling a slumbrous sheet of foam below.
They saw the gleaming river seaward flow
From the inner land: far off, three mountain-tops,
Three silent pinnacles of aged snow,
Stood sunset-flush’d: and, dew’d with showery drops,
Up-clomb the shadowy pine above the woven copse.
Reference to Context
This excerpt from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters continues to describe the magical and dreamlike setting of the Lotos-land. The poet vividly paints the serene beauty of the land, focusing on its natural features such as streams, rivers, and mountains. The imagery evokes a sense of calm and timelessness, mirroring the sailors’ growing detachment from their responsibilities and their temptation to remain in this idyllic place.
Explanation
“A land of streams! some, like a downward smoke,
Slow-dropping veils of thinnest lawn, did go;”
The poet emphasizes that the Lotos-land is rich with streams, highlighting its abundance and tranquility. The streams are compared to “downward smoke” using a simile, suggesting their delicate, mist-like appearance. The description of the streams as “slow-dropping veils of thinnest lawn” adds a sense of ethereal beauty, as if they are soft and light like fine fabric. This imagery conveys the hypnotic and dreamlike quality of the land, drawing the sailors further into its spell.
“And some thro’ wavering lights and shadows broke,
Rolling a slumbrous sheet of foam below.”
The streams flow through a play of light and shadow, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic visual effect. The word “slumbrous” indicates sleepiness or lethargy, describing the streams as tranquil and soothing. The foam rolling below adds a gentle, rhythmic motion to the scene, enhancing the calming and peaceful atmosphere. This contributes to the idea of the Lotos-land as a place of rest and forgetfulness.
“They saw the gleaming river seaward flow
From the inner land:”
The sailors notice a gleaming river flowing toward the sea. This river seems to connect the tranquil inner land with the broader, chaotic world beyond. Its smooth and shining flow represents the ease and peace of the Lotos-land, contrasting with the sailors’ tumultuous lives and their arduous sea journey.
“Far off, three mountain-tops,
Three silent pinnacles of aged snow,
Stood sunset-flush’d:”
The poet describes distant mountains with snow-capped peaks, which are bathed in the warm colors of the sunset. The mountains are “silent” and “aged,” symbolizing timelessness, wisdom, and stillness. Their beauty and serenity reflect the calm and unchanging nature of the Lotos-land. The sunset adds a golden, almost divine glow to the scene, reinforcing the idea that this land is enchanting and otherworldly.
“And, dew’d with showery drops,
Up-clomb the shadowy pine above the woven copse.”
The poet describes the trees in the landscape, focusing on the shadowy pines climbing upward and the lush greenery of the “woven copse” (a small group of trees or bushes). The phrase “dew’d with showery drops” adds a fresh, cool, and almost magical quality to the scene. The upward movement of the pines suggests growth and connection to the heavens, while the woven copse highlights the intricate, harmonious beauty of nature in the Lotos-land.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
Visual Imagery: “A land of streams! some, like a downward smoke”: The streams are described as ethereal and delicate, emphasizing the magical and dreamlike quality of the land.
“Rolling a slumbrous sheet of foam below”: The “foam” creates a visual of gentle, lulling movement, reflecting the tranquil atmosphere.
“Three silent pinnacles of aged snow, / Stood sunset-flush’d”: The image of snow-covered peaks glowing in the sunset conveys a sense of majesty and timelessness.
Tactile Imagery:
“Dew’d with showery drops”: Suggests freshness and coolness, reinforcing the soothing quality of the Lotos-land.
Simile
“Some, like a downward smoke, slow-dropping veils of thinnest lawn”:
The streams are compared to smoke and delicate veils, emphasizing their soft, flowing, and almost intangible nature.
Personification
“Rolling a slumbrous sheet of foam below”:
The streams are personified as creating a “slumbrous” effect, adding to the hypnotic and tranquil mood of the Lotos-land.
“Up-clomb the shadowy pine above the woven copse”:
The pines are personified as climbing upward, suggesting vitality and connection to the heavens.
Symbolism
Streams:
Symbolize the flow of time in a slow, peaceful, and unhurried manner, reflecting the timeless quality of the Lotos-land.
Mountain-tops with aged snow:
Represent stability, timelessness, and wisdom, contrasting the ever-changing nature of the outside world.
Shadowy pine and woven copse:
Symbolize harmony between growth and rootedness, reinforcing the idea of nature’s peaceful cycle.
Contrast
The ethereal softness of the streams (“downward smoke”) contrasts with the solid majesty of the mountains (“aged snow”), showing the balance of delicacy and permanence in the Lotos-land.
Repetition
The repetition of “three” in “three mountain-tops, / Three silent pinnacles” emphasizes the symmetry and perfection of the landscape.
Stanza 3
The charmed sunset linger’d low adown
In the red West: thro’ mountain clefts the dale
Was seen far inland, and the yellow down
Border’d with palm, and many a winding vale
And meadow, set with slender galingale;
A land where all things always seem’d the same!
And round about the keel with faces pale,
Dark faces pale against that rosy flame,
The mild-eyed melancholy Lotos-eaters came.
Reference to Context
These lines from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters continue to paint the vivid, dreamlike imagery of the Lotos-land. The poet describes the magical beauty of the landscape, emphasizing its tranquil and unchanging nature. This sets the tone for the arrival of the Lotos-eaters, the mysterious inhabitants of this land who tempt Odysseus and his sailors with the enchanted lotus plant. These lines foreshadow the sailors’ growing detachment from their responsibilities and their yearning to remain in this land of peace and forgetfulness.
Explanation
“The charmed sunset linger’d low adown
In the red West:”
The poet describes the sunset as “charmed,” giving it a magical and enchanting quality. The imagery of the “red West” suggests a warm and glowing horizon, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The use of the word “linger’d” emphasizes the slow, almost timeless nature of the Lotos-land, where even the sunset appears reluctant to fade away. This detail reinforces the idea that this land exists outside the normal flow of time.
“Thro’ mountain clefts the dale
Was seen far inland, and the yellow down
Border’d with palm, and many a winding vale
And meadow, set with slender galingale;”
The poet describes the landscape in intricate detail, highlighting the valleys, meadows, and hills (“yellow down”) bordered by palm trees. The “mountain clefts” provide glimpses of the serene dale that lies farther inland, creating a sense of depth and mystery. The mention of “slender galingale” (a type of fragrant grass) adds an exotic touch to the imagery, emphasizing the unique and almost otherworldly nature of the land. The winding valleys and lush meadows suggest harmony and endless beauty, further tempting the weary sailors to embrace the peace of the Lotos-land.
“A land where all things always seem’d the same!”
This line captures the central characteristic of the Lotos-land: its unchanging, eternal nature. Unlike the chaos and uncertainty of the sea or the struggles of human life, this land offers stability and constancy. This timeless quality becomes one of the most alluring aspects of the Lotos-land for the sailors, who are tired of the endless changes and hardships of their journey.
“And round about the keel with faces pale,
Dark faces pale against that rosy flame,”
As the sailors’ ship rests on the shore, the Lotos-eaters, the mysterious inhabitants of the land, appear around the keel (the bottom structure of the ship). Their “pale” faces contrast with their dark complexions and the glowing “rosy flame” of the sunset, creating a striking and surreal image. This juxtaposition enhances the mystique of the Lotos-eaters, suggesting that they are not ordinary humans but magical beings connected to the land’s enchantment.
“The mild-eyed melancholy Lotos-eaters came.”
The Lotos-eaters are described as having “mild eyes,” reflecting a sense of calm and gentleness. However, they are also “melancholy,” hinting at a deeper sadness or detachment from the world. This description mirrors the effect of the lotus plant, which induces a state of dreamy lethargy and emotional numbness. The Lotos-eaters seem to embody the very essence of their land—peaceful yet distant, tranquil yet tinged with melancholy. Their arrival foreshadows the sailors’ eventual succumbing to the temptation of the lotus.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
Visual Imagery:
“The charmed sunset linger’d low adown / In the red West”: The image of a sunset lingering low in the red sky evokes a magical and serene scene, emphasizing the timeless quality of the Lotos-land.
“Thro’ mountain clefts the dale / Was seen far inland”: This description creates depth and perspective, drawing the reader into the tranquil and expansive landscape.
“Yellow down / Border’d with palm, and many a winding vale”: The golden hills and palm-lined borders enhance the exotic and idyllic nature of the setting.
“Meadow, set with slender galingale”: The specific detail of galingale (a type of grass) adds texture and specificity to the scene.
Color Imagery:
“Red West,” “yellow down,” and “rosy flame” provide vibrant colors that evoke warmth, calmness, and enchantment.
Symbolism
“Charmed sunset”:
Symbolizes the hypnotic allure and magical timelessness of the Lotos-land.
“All things always seemed the same”:
Suggests a static, unchanging world, representing detachment from the passage of time and the struggles of human life.
“Dark faces pale against that rosy flame”:
The pale faces of the Lotos-eaters symbolize their dreamlike detachment and emotional melancholy, contrasting with the warmth and vitality of the sunset.
Personification
“The charmed sunset linger’d low adown”:
The sunset is personified as lingering, suggesting a deliberate slowing of time to reinforce the land’s timeless nature.
Alliteration
“Set with slender galingale”:
The repetition of the s sound mimics the gentle movement and stillness of the land.
Contrast
“Dark faces pale against that rosy flame”:
The contrast between dark and pale faces and the warm, rosy sunset highlights the mysterious, otherworldly nature of the Lotos-eaters and their melancholic presence.
Stanza 4
Branches they bore of that enchanted stem,
Laden with flower and fruit, whereof they gave
To each, but whoso did receive of them,
And taste, to him the gushing of the wave
Far far away did seem to mourn and rave
On alien shores; and if his fellow spake,
His voice was thin, as voices from the grave;
And deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake,
And music in his ears his beating heart did make.
Reference to Context
These lines from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters describe the moment when the sailors encounter the Lotos-eaters and are offered the magical lotus plant. The Lotos-eaters carry branches of the enchanted plant, which is laden with both flowers and fruits. This moment marks the turning point in the poem, as the sailors begin to succumb to the effects of the lotus, entering a state of dreamy forgetfulness and detachment from their past lives and responsibilities.
Explanation
“Branches they bore of that enchanted stem,
Laden with flower and fruit, whereof they gave
To each,”
The Lotos-eaters carry branches of the lotus plant, which is described as “enchanted.” This highlights the magical and otherworldly nature of the plant. Laden with both flowers and fruits, the lotus symbolizes abundance and temptation. The act of offering the plant to the sailors is symbolic—it represents the offering of escape from reality and the struggles of life.
“But whoso did receive of them,
And taste, to him the gushing of the wave
Far far away did seem to mourn and rave
On alien shores;”
Once a sailor eats the lotus, the effects are immediate. The plant induces a state of dreamy detachment. The “gushing of the wave,” which represents the sea and their arduous journey, suddenly seems distant and unimportant. The waves’ sounds are likened to “mourning” and “raving,” emphasizing a sense of estrangement from their mission and the world they once knew. The shores of their homeland now feel alien, highlighting how the lotus erases their emotional connection to their past lives.
“And if his fellow spake,
His voice was thin, as voices from the grave;”
The sailors who have eaten the lotus begin to perceive their companions in a distorted way. The voices of their fellow sailors sound faint and ghostly, “as voices from the grave.” This simile reflects the profound disconnection and detachment caused by the lotus, as though the sailors are slipping into a state between life and death. It emphasizes the plant’s power to sever ties with reality and relationships.
“And deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake,”
The lotus induces a paradoxical state in its consumers. While they appear to be deeply asleep, they are also fully awake. This highlights the trance-like effect of the plant, where the physical body remains present, but the mind is consumed by dreamy detachment. It reflects the theme of suspended consciousness—a hallmark of the Lotos-land.
“And music in his ears his beating heart did make.”
The sailor under the influence of the lotus begins to perceive his own heartbeat as music. This line suggests an inward focus and a sense of peace or harmony, albeit one induced by the plant. The music-like heartbeat symbolizes the sailors’ retreat into a private, self-contained world, detached from external realities. It reflects the seductive and soothing power of the lotus, which lulls them into forgetting their struggles and duties.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
Visual Imagery:
“Branches they bore of that enchanted stem, / Laden with flower and fruit”: The description of the lotus branches emphasizes their abundance and magical allure.
“The gushing of the wave / Far far away did seem to mourn and rave”: Vivid imagery evokes the sound and motion of distant waves, now perceived as faint and alien by the sailors.
Auditory Imagery:
“His voice was thin, as voices from the grave”: Creates an eerie, ghostly soundscape, reflecting the detachment and otherworldly state induced by the lotus.
“Music in his ears his beating heart did make”: The sailors hear their own heartbeat as music, enhancing the dreamlike and introspective atmosphere.
Symbolism
The Lotus Plant: Symbolizes escapism, forgetfulness, and detachment from reality. By eating the lotus, the sailors disconnect from their struggles and memories of home.
The “alien shores”:
Represent the sailors’ emotional and physical detachment from their past lives and responsibilities.
“Voices from the grave”:
Suggests a liminal state between life and death, reflecting the sailors’ withdrawal from active life into a state of dreamy lethargy.
Simile
“His voice was thin, as voices from the grave”:
The sailors’ voices are compared to ghostly whispers, emphasizing their detachment from reality and their descent into a trance-like state.
Personification
“The gushing of the wave / Far far away did seem to mourn and rave”:
The waves are personified as mourning and raving, reflecting the sailors’ altered perception of sound and their growing indifference to their surroundings.
Contrast
Awake vs. Asleep:
“Deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake”: The paradoxical state of being physically awake but mentally detached captures the hypnotic and numbing effect of the lotus.
Hyperbole
“And music in his ears his beating heart did make”:
The exaggeration of the sailors hearing their heartbeat as music highlights the overwhelming impact of the lotus on their senses and thoughts.
Paradox
“Deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake”:
Captures the sailors’ suspension between wakefulness and a dreamlike state, emphasizing their mental detachment from the real world.
Stanza 5
They sat them down upon the yellow sand,
Between the sun and moon upon the shore;
And sweet it was to dream of Fatherland,
Of child, and wife, and slave; but evermore
Most weary seem’d the sea, weary the oar,
Weary the wandering fields of barren foam.
Then some one said, “We will return no more”;
And all at once they sang, “Our island home
Is far beyond the wave; we will no longer roam.”
Reference to Context
These lines are from The Lotos-Eaters by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, describing the sailors’ response to eating the enchanted lotus plant. After consuming the lotus, the sailors succumb to its effects, which induce a state of dreamy lethargy and detachment. Sitting on the shore of the Lotos-land, they reflect on their lives and make the pivotal decision to abandon their journey and responsibilities. This marks a turning point in the poem, as the sailors collectively renounce their ties to their homeland and choose to stay in the Lotos-land, a place of peace and timeless rest.
Explanation
“They sat them down upon the yellow sand,
Between the sun and moon upon the shore;”
The sailors sit on the shore of the Lotos-land, symbolically positioned “between the sun and moon.” This imagery suggests a liminal space—neither fully belonging to the real world (represented by the sun) nor entirely lost in the dreamlike realm (represented by the moon). The yellow sand represents the threshold between their arduous past and the tranquil temptation of the Lotos-land. This setting highlights the sailors’ transition from active duty to passive surrender.
“And sweet it was to dream of Fatherland,
Of child, and wife, and slave;”
Under the influence of the lotus, the sailors experience a bittersweet longing for their homeland, reminiscing about their families, including children, wives, and even slaves who were part of their domestic life. However, these memories are framed as dreams, showing how distant and unreal their past now seems. The word “sweet” suggests that while these memories bring comfort, they are no longer enough to compel them to return to the hardships of life.
“But evermore
Most weary seem’d the sea, weary the oar,
Weary the wandering fields of barren foam.”
The sailors’ exhaustion becomes the dominant emotion. The sea, once a symbol of adventure and duty, now seems overwhelmingly wearisome. The repetition of “weary” emphasizes their deep physical and emotional fatigue. The “wandering fields of barren foam” describe the endless, monotonous expanse of the sea, which now represents futility and hardship rather than opportunity. Their desire to escape these struggles strengthens, and they become increasingly drawn to the restful allure of the Lotos-land.
“Then some one said, ‘We will return no more’;”
One of the sailors speaks aloud what they are all beginning to feel: the decision to abandon their journey and never return home. This declaration reflects their collective surrender to the enchantment of the lotus. It marks the moment when they fully detach from their responsibilities and embrace the dreamlike stillness of the Lotos-land.
“And all at once they sang, ‘Our island home
Is far beyond the wave; we will no longer roam.'”
The sailors, now united in their decision, sing together, expressing their final resolve. They refer to their homeland as “our island home,” emphasizing the distance and separation they feel from it, both physically and emotionally. The phrase “we will no longer roam” captures their rejection of their wandering, adventurous lives and their acceptance of the peace and rest offered by the Lotos-land. This collective song highlights their shared surrender to escapism and forgetfulness.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“They sat them down upon the yellow sand”: Creates a serene, picturesque image of the sailors resting on the shore.
“Between the sun and moon upon the shore”: Suggests a liminal space, evoking a sense of timelessness and suspension between day and night.
“Wandering fields of barren foam”: Conjures the endless, monotonous expanse of the sea, reflecting the sailors’ exhaustion.
Symbolism
“Yellow sand”:
Symbolizes the threshold between their arduous journey and the peaceful rest of the Lotos-land.
“Sun and moon”:
Represents duality and transition, as the sailors stand metaphorically between their past lives and their decision to remain in the Lotos-land.
“Wandering fields of barren foam”:
Symbolizes the aimlessness and futility of their journey across the sea.
Repetition
“Weary the sea, weary the oar, / Weary the wandering fields”:
The repetition of “weary” emphasizes the sailors’ profound exhaustion, both physical and emotional, driving their decision to stay.
Alliteration
“Weary the wandering fields of barren foam”:
The repeated w and f sounds create a rhythmic, flowing quality that mirrors the monotonous motion of the sea and the sailors’ weariness.
Contrast
Action vs. Rest:
The active labor of rowing (“weary the oar”) contrasts with the passive rest symbolized by sitting on the “yellow sand.”
Dream vs. Reality:
Dreaming of home offers sweetness, but the reality of the sea is wearisome and barren.
Personification
“Wandering fields of barren foam”:
The sea is given human-like qualities of wandering, reflecting the sailors’ perception of it as an aimless and relentless force.
CHORIC SONG
I
There is sweet music here that softer falls
Than petals from blown roses on the grass,
Or night-dews on still waters between walls
Of shadowy granite, in a gleaming pass;
Music that gentlier on the spirit lies,
Than tir’d eyelids upon tir’d eyes;
Music that brings sweet sleep down from the blissful skies.
Here are cool mosses deep,
And thro’ the moss the ivies creep,
And in the stream the long-leaved flowers weep,
And from the craggy ledge the poppy hangs in sleep.”
Reference to Context
This excerpt is from the first part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. The Choric Song represents the collective thoughts of the sailors after consuming the enchanted lotus plant. In this first stanza, they express the serene and hypnotic beauty of the Lotos-land, focusing on its soothing music and tranquil environment. The sailors are mesmerized by the land’s peacefulness, contrasting it with the struggles and hardships of their journey. This song introduces their growing desire to remain in the Lotos-land, rejecting their responsibilities and longing for eternal rest.
Detailed Explanation
“There is sweet music here that softer falls
Than petals from blown roses on the grass,”
The stanza opens with a description of the soothing music that fills the Lotos-land. The sailors describe this music as “sweet” and gentle, falling softer than rose petals on the grass. This simile emphasizes the delicate and almost imperceptible nature of the music, which has a calming, dreamlike effect. The softness of the music reflects the overall tranquility of the Lotos-land, lulling the sailors into a state of relaxation and forgetfulness.
“Or night-dews on still waters between walls
Of shadowy granite, in a gleaming pass;”
The music is compared to the delicate fall of night-dew on still waters, further highlighting its gentleness and serenity. The imagery of “shadowy granite” and a “gleaming pass” evokes a picturesque and mystical landscape, reinforcing the enchanting and otherworldly nature of the Lotos-land. The interplay of shadows and light creates a sense of depth and timelessness, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the sailors’ surroundings.
“Music that gentlier on the spirit lies,
Than tir’d eyelids upon tir’d eyes;”
The music is described as having a profound effect on the spirit, soothing it more gently than the closing of tired eyelids. This metaphor emphasizes the sailors’ exhaustion and the relief they find in the calming atmosphere of the Lotos-land. It suggests that the music not only affects their physical senses but also brings a deep sense of peace to their weary souls.
“Music that brings sweet sleep down from the blissful skies.”
The sailors attribute a divine quality to the music, claiming it brings “sweet sleep” from the heavens. This line symbolizes the ultimate rest and escape from life’s struggles, which the sailors crave. The mention of the “blissful skies” reinforces the idea that the Lotos-land offers a paradise-like refuge from the hardships of reality.
“Here are cool mosses deep,
And thro’ the moss the ivies creep,”
The landscape of the Lotos-land is described as lush and serene, with deep mosses and creeping ivy. This imagery creates a sense of harmony and natural beauty, further enticing the sailors to stay. The description emphasizes the untouched, idyllic nature of the land, which stands in stark contrast to the sailors’ turbulent journey.
“And in the stream the long-leaved flowers weep,
And from the craggy ledge the poppy hangs in sleep.”
The long-leaved flowers in the stream are described as “weeping,” suggesting a melancholic beauty. This personification reflects the hypnotic, bittersweet allure of the Lotos-land. The poppy, often associated with sleep and death, hangs “in sleep” from the craggy ledge, symbolizing rest and eternal peace. The imagery of the poppy reinforces the theme of lethargy and detachment, as the sailors increasingly succumb to the idea of remaining in the Lotos-land.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
Auditory Imagery:
“Sweet music here that softer falls / Than petals from blown roses on the grass”: The comparison of music to the soft falling of petals evokes a gentle, soothing sound.
“Music that brings sweet sleep down from the blissful skies”: The music is imagined as celestial, enhancing the sense of peace and restfulness.
Visual Imagery:
“Night-dews on still waters between walls / Of shadowy granite, in a gleaming pass”: Creates a serene image of dew glistening in the moonlight, emphasizing the stillness and beauty of the Lotos-land.
“Cool mosses deep” and “long-leaved flowers weep” vividly depict the lush, calming landscape.
“From the craggy ledge the poppy hangs in sleep”: The image of a poppy drooping as if asleep reinforces the theme of rest and lethargy.
Simile
“That softer falls / Than petals from blown roses on the grass”:
The music is compared to the delicate fall of rose petals, emphasizing its softness and gentleness.
“Than tir’d eyelids upon tir’d eyes”:
The music is likened to the relief of closing tired eyes, enhancing its soothing and restorative quality.
Symbolism
“Sweet music”:
Symbolizes the hypnotic and calming influence of the Lotos-land, which lulls the sailors into forgetfulness and rest.
“Poppy”:
A symbol of sleep, dreams, and sometimes death, the hanging poppy represents the sailors’ surrender to lethargy.
“Blown roses”:
Symbolize fleeting beauty and delicacy, mirroring the ephemeral and dreamlike nature of the Lotos-land.
Personification
“Long-leaved flowers weep”:
The flowers are personified as weeping, adding a melancholic undertone to the peaceful landscape.
“Poppy hangs in sleep”:
The poppy is personified as if it is sleeping, reinforcing the overarching theme of rest.
Alliteration
“Music that brings sweet sleep”:
The repetition of the s sound creates a soft, lulling rhythm, mirroring the gentle nature of the music.
Repetition
“Tir’d eyelids upon tir’d eyes”: The repetition of “tir’d” emphasizes exhaustion and the need for rest, mirroring the sailors’ emotional and physical state.
II
Why are we weigh’d upon with heaviness,
And utterly consumed with sharp distress,
While all things else have rest from weariness?
All things have rest: why should we toil alone,
We only toil, who are the first of things,
And make perpetual moan,
Still from one sorrow to another thrown:
Nor ever fold our wings,
And cease from wanderings,
Nor steep our brows in slumber’s holy balm;
Nor harken what the inner spirit sings,
“There is no joy but calm!”
Why should we only toil, the roof and crown of things?
Reference to Context
This excerpt is the second part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. In this section, the sailors lament the burdens of human life, contrasting their endless toil with the restful existence of nature. They question why humanity, the “roof and crown of things,” must endure perpetual suffering while everything else in creation finds peace and respite. This stanza explores themes of weariness, existential despair, and the human longing for rest. It deepens the sailors’ detachment from their duties, as they yearn to escape their endless labor.
Detailed Explanation
“Why are we weigh’d upon with heaviness,
And utterly consumed with sharp distress,
While all things else have rest from weariness?”
The sailors begin by questioning the fundamental inequality of existence. They feel overwhelmed by the burdens (“weigh’d upon with heaviness”) and consumed by constant sorrow and hardship. In contrast, they observe that everything else in nature appears to rest and find peace. This sense of injustice sets the tone for their rejection of their human responsibilities.
“All things have rest: why should we toil alone,
We only toil, who are the first of things,”
They continue to highlight the contrast between humanity’s endless labor and the peace enjoyed by other elements of nature. Humanity is described as the “first of things,” indicating their superior position in the natural order, but this superiority comes with the burden of constant toil. The rhetorical question emphasizes their disillusionment with the seemingly unfair demands placed on human existence.
“And make perpetual moan,
Still from one sorrow to another thrown:”
The sailors describe human life as a series of endless complaints and suffering, moving from one sorrow to the next without relief. The phrase “perpetual moan” conveys a sense of ceaseless misery, while “thrown” suggests a lack of control, as if humans are helplessly subjected to life’s trials.
“Nor ever fold our wings,
And cease from wanderings,”
Here, the metaphor of wings symbolizes freedom and rest. The sailors lament that they can never “fold” their wings and find peace. Instead, they are condemned to constant “wanderings,” referring both to their physical journey at sea and the broader human condition of endless striving and dissatisfaction.
“Nor steep our brows in slumber’s holy balm;”
Sleep is described as a “holy balm,” a divine and healing force. The sailors long for the restorative power of sleep, which they see as a form of ultimate peace and relief from their struggles. However, their labor and responsibilities prevent them from attaining this rest.
“Nor harken what the inner spirit sings,
‘There is no joy but calm!'”
The sailors reflect on the wisdom of the “inner spirit,” which tells them that true joy lies in calmness and peace. This line suggests that the human soul naturally yearns for rest and tranquility, yet life’s demands force people to ignore this inner truth.
“Why should we only toil, the roof and crown of things?”
The sailors conclude by questioning the burden placed uniquely on humanity. As the “roof and crown of things,” humans are supposed to occupy the highest place in creation, yet they are condemned to endless labor. This rhetorical question highlights their frustration with the disparity between their elevated position and their heavy burdens.
Poetic Devices:
Rhetorical Questions
“Why are we weigh’d upon with heaviness?”
“Why should we toil alone, we only toil, who are the first of things?”
These questions express the sailors’ dissatisfaction with their plight and invite the reader to reflect on the perceived injustice of human existence.
Personification
“Make perpetual moan”:
The phrase personifies humanity as endlessly complaining or lamenting, capturing the sailors’ sense of futility.
“The inner spirit sings”:
The “inner spirit” is personified as offering wisdom (“There is no joy but calm”), symbolizing the human soul’s natural inclination toward peace.
Contrast
Nature vs. Humanity:
The sailors highlight the contrast between “all things” in nature that enjoy rest and humanity, which is condemned to toil and suffering.
Calm vs. Sorrow:
The inner spirit’s message (“There is no joy but calm”) contrasts sharply with the sailors’ perpetual state of sorrow and wandering.
Symbolism
“Slumber’s holy balm”:
Sleep symbolizes rest, peace, and a release from the burdens of life, which the sailors yearn for.
“The roof and crown of things”:
Humanity is symbolized as the pinnacle of creation, yet this position brings with it the burden of endless labor and suffering.
Alliteration
“Weigh’d upon with weariness”:
The repetition of the w sound emphasizes the heaviness and burden of the sailors’ struggles.
“Fold our wings, and cease from wanderings”:
The repetition of w and f sounds creates a rhythmic and flowing effect, mirroring the yearning for release.
Metaphor
“Fold our wings, and cease from wanderings”:
The wings symbolize freedom or the ability to rest, and the “cease from wanderings” suggests a desire for stability and peace.
III
Lo! in the middle of the wood,
The folded leaf is woo’d from out the bud
With winds upon the branch, and there
Grows green and broad, and takes no care,
Sun-steep’d at noon, and in the moon
Nightly dew-fed; and turning yellow
Falls, and floats adown the air.
Lo! sweeten’d with the summer light,
The full-juiced apple, waxing over-mellow,
Drops in a silent autumn night.
All its allotted length of days
The flower ripens in its place,
Ripens and fades, and falls, and hath no toil,
Fast-rooted in the fruitful soil.
Reference to Context
This excerpt is the third part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. In this stanza, the sailors continue their reflection on the contrast between human life and the effortless cycles of nature. They describe how elements of the natural world—leaves, apples, and flowers—live peacefully and fulfill their purpose without toil or suffering. The sailors envy this restful and harmonious existence, which strengthens their desire to remain in the tranquil Lotos-land rather than return to the struggles of human life.
Detailed Explanation
“Lo! in the middle of the wood,
The folded leaf is woo’d from out the bud
With winds upon the branch, and there
Grows green and broad, and takes no care,”
The stanza begins with an image of a leaf emerging from a bud in the middle of a forest. The use of “woo’d” suggests that the leaf is gently coaxed by the wind, emphasizing the natural, effortless process of growth in nature. The leaf grows “green and broad” without any worry or labor, symbolizing the harmonious and stress-free existence that the sailors admire.
“Sun-steep’d at noon, and in the moon
Nightly dew-fed; and turning yellow
Falls, and floats adown the air.”
The leaf enjoys the sunlight during the day and the nourishment of dew at night. This line captures the balance and rhythm of the leaf’s life cycle, which is both fulfilling and peaceful. When its time comes, the leaf turns yellow and gently falls, floating through the air without struggle. This imagery of a calm and graceful end contrasts sharply with the sailors’ perception of human life, which they feel is fraught with toil and hardship.
“Lo! sweeten’d with the summer light,
The full-juiced apple, waxing over-mellow,
Drops in a silent autumn night.”
The stanza shifts to describe the life of an apple, which ripens under the “summer light” and becomes “full-juiced” and “over-mellow.” The apple fulfills its purpose and falls silently during an autumn night. This imagery highlights the natural cycle of growth, maturity, and peaceful decline, free from struggle. The sailors admire this harmonious existence, contrasting it with their own lives, which they see as burdened with constant striving.
“All its allotted length of days
The flower ripens in its place,
Ripens and fades, and falls, and hath no toil,
Fast-rooted in the fruitful soil.”
The stanza concludes with the image of a flower, which completes its life cycle in peace. It ripens, fades, and falls without any effort or labor. The phrase “all its allotted length of days” suggests that the flower’s life is predetermined and serene, as it remains “fast-rooted in the fruitful soil.” This rootedness symbolizes stability and harmony, contrasting with the sailors’ restless and laborious existence. The flower’s natural cycle reinforces the sailors’ longing for a life free from struggle and full of peace.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“The folded leaf is woo’d from out the bud”: Depicts the gentle unfolding of leaves, suggesting the natural and effortless rhythm of growth.
“Sun-steep’d at noon, and in the moon / Nightly dew-fed”: Creates a serene image of leaves basking in sunlight and nourished by moonlit dew.
“Turning yellow / Falls, and floats adown the air”: Vividly captures the graceful fall of a leaf, reinforcing the effortless cycle of nature.
“The full-juiced apple, waxing over-mellow, / Drops in a silent autumn night”: Conveys the abundance and ripeness of the apple, as well as the calmness of its natural fall.
Personification
“The folded leaf is woo’d from out the bud”:
The wind is personified as gently coaxing the leaf, emphasizing the nurturing, harmonious forces of nature.
“Falls, and floats adown the air”:
The falling leaf is described as if it has agency, highlighting its graceful surrender to the natural order.
Symbolism
The Leaf:
Symbolizes the fleeting yet harmonious life cycle, from growth to decay.
The Apple:
Represents fulfillment and ripeness, as well as the effortless progression toward completion.
The Flower:
A symbol of beauty and fragility, which ripens and fades without struggle.
“Fast-rooted in the fruitful soil”:
Represents stability, harmony, and the interconnectedness of life and the earth.
Alliteration
“Falls, and floats adown the air”:
The repetition of f sounds creates a soft, flowing rhythm that mirrors the gentle fall of the leaf.
Metaphor
“The folded leaf is woo’d from out the bud”:
Suggests the inevitability of life unfolding, gently guided by natural forces.
IV
Hateful is the dark-blue sky,
Vaulted o’er the dark-blue sea.
Death is the end of life; ah, why
Should life all labour be?
Let us alone. Time driveth onward fast,
And in a little while our lips are dumb.
Let us alone. What is it that will last?
All things are taken from us, and become
Portions and parcels of the dreadful past.
Let us alone. What pleasure can we have
To war with evil? Is there any peace
In ever climbing up the climbing wave?
All things have rest, and ripen toward the grave
In silence; ripen, fall and cease:
Give us long rest or death, dark death, or dreamful ease.
Reference to Context
This excerpt is the fourth part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. Here, the sailors express their growing disillusionment with life and its endless labor. They see life as a futile struggle and reflect on the inevitability of death. Their voices become increasingly melancholic as they plead to be left alone, rejecting the hardships of existence and yearning for eternal rest or the peace of death. This stanza encapsulates their ultimate surrender to the hypnotic lethargy of the Lotos-land.
Detailed Explanation
“Hateful is the dark-blue sky,
Vaulted o’er the dark-blue sea.”
The sailors describe the vast expanse of the sky and sea as “hateful.” Once symbols of freedom and adventure, these elements now represent the endless, oppressive labor of their journey. The repetition of “dark-blue” emphasizes the monotony and heaviness they feel, highlighting their growing detachment from the world.
“Death is the end of life; ah, why
Should life all labour be?”
The sailors acknowledge the inevitability of death and question why life must be defined by constant toil and suffering. This rhetorical question underscores their existential despair and their rejection of the traditional belief that life’s struggles are meaningful. They no longer see any value in enduring hardships when death will ultimately bring an end to everything.
“Let us alone. Time driveth onward fast,
And in a little while our lips are dumb.”
The repeated plea “Let us alone” reflects their yearning for peace and freedom from life’s demands. They observe the relentless passage of time, which pushes them closer to death (“our lips are dumb”). This inevitability makes their current struggles seem meaningless, further justifying their desire to abandon their responsibilities and remain in the Lotos-land.
“Let us alone. What is it that will last?
All things are taken from us, and become
Portions and parcels of the dreadful past.”
The sailors lament the impermanence of life. They question the point of striving when nothing endures, as everything they achieve or love eventually fades into the “dreadful past.” This reflection deepens their longing to escape the fleeting nature of existence and find solace in eternal rest.
“Let us alone. What pleasure can we have
To war with evil? Is there any peace
In ever climbing up the climbing wave?”
The sailors reject the struggle against challenges (“war with evil”) as futile and exhausting. The metaphor of “climbing up the climbing wave” emphasizes the ceaseless and repetitive nature of their efforts. They find no joy or satisfaction in such struggles and instead seek peace and freedom from these burdens.
“All things have rest, and ripen toward the grave
In silence; ripen, fall and cease:”
Observing the natural cycles of life, the sailors note that everything in nature eventually rests and peacefully moves toward the grave. This inevitability of death is portrayed as a natural and harmonious conclusion, free from struggle. The repetition of “ripen” underscores the idea of a life fulfilled without toil, as in nature’s cycles described earlier in the poem.
“Give us long rest or death, dark death, or dreamful ease.”
The sailors’ plea reaches its climax with their wish for either eternal rest or the peace of death. The phrase “dark death” reflects their willingness to embrace the unknown over returning to their arduous journey. Alternatively, “dreamful ease” suggests a desire for a tranquil, unconscious existence, akin to the peace offered by the Lotos-land.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“Dark-blue sky, / Vaulted o’er the dark-blue sea”: Describes the vast, oppressive expanse of the heavens and the sea, reflecting the sailors’ feelings of insignificance and despair.
Symbolism
“Dark-blue sky” and “dark-blue sea”:
Represent the sailors’ perception of life as vast, overwhelming, and oppressive, mirroring their inner despair.
“Time driveth onward fast”:
Symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
“Ripen toward the grave”:
Suggests the natural progression of life toward death, viewed as a peaceful resolution rather than a struggle.
Rhetorical Questions
“Ah, why / Should life all labour be?”
Highlights the sailors’ frustration with the perceived futility of human existence.
“What is it that will last?”
Emphasizes the transient nature of life and achievements.
“Is there any peace / In ever climbing up the climbing wave?”
Reflects their exhaustion and disillusionment with the endless, futile struggles of life.
Alliteration
“Portions and parcels of the dreadful past”:
The repeated p sound creates a rhythmic cadence, emphasizing the fragmentation and loss of the past.
Contrast
Life vs. Death:
Life is portrayed as laborious and unending toil, while death is seen as restful and peaceful.
Action vs. Rest:
The sailors’ active struggles (“climbing wave”) are contrasted with the passive inevitability of death (“ripen toward the grave”).
Personification
“Time driveth onward fast”:
Time is personified as a force relentlessly driving life toward its end, reinforcing the inevitability of death.
“Portions and parcels of the dreadful past”:
The past is personified as a force that fragments and consumes all things.
Metaphor
“Ripen toward the grave”:
Life is compared to a fruit ripening naturally before falling and ceasing, symbolizing the inevitability and natural progression toward death.
Paradox
“Death, dark death, or dreamful ease”:
Contrasts the darkness of death with the comforting notion of “dreamful ease,” illustrating their complex feelings toward mortality.
V
How sweet it were, hearing the downward stream,
With half-shut eyes ever to seem
Falling asleep in a half-dream!
To dream and dream, like yonder amber light,
Which will not leave the myrrh-bush on the height;
To hear each other’s whisper’d speech;
Eating the Lotos day by day,
To watch the crisping ripples on the beach,
And tender curving lines of creamy spray;
To lend our hearts and spirits wholly
To the influence of mild-minded melancholy;
To muse and brood and live again in memory,
With those old faces of our infancy
Heap’d over with a mound of grass,
Two handfuls of white dust, shut in an urn of brass!
Reference to Context
This excerpt is the fifth part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. In this stanza, the sailors succumb fully to the seductive lethargy of the Lotos-land, expressing their longing to remain in a state of perpetual rest and detachment. They imagine a life of dreamy ease, where they can lose themselves in the soothing rhythms of nature, the melancholy of memory, and the peace of oblivion. The stanza deepens the sailors’ rejection of their responsibilities, as they immerse themselves in the idea of escaping from the burdens of life.
Detailed Explanation
“How sweet it were, hearing the downward stream,
With half-shut eyes ever to seem
Falling asleep in a half-dream!”
The stanza opens with the sailors envisioning the sweetness of surrendering to the peaceful sounds of the flowing stream. The image of “half-shut eyes” reflects a state of semi-consciousness, where they teeter between wakefulness and sleep. The “half-dream” symbolizes the hypnotic, dreamlike state induced by the lotus, representing an escape from the harsh realities of life into a realm of tranquility and ease.
“To dream and dream, like yonder amber light,
Which will not leave the myrrh-bush on the height;”
The sailors liken their desire to dream endlessly to the lingering “amber light” of sunset that clings to the myrrh-bush. This imagery suggests a timeless, unchanging state where beauty and calmness persist. The “amber light” symbolizes the sailors’ yearning for the soothing glow of the Lotos-land, while the myrrh-bush evokes an exotic and eternal quality.
“To hear each other’s whisper’d speech;
Eating the Lotos day by day,”
The sailors imagine a life of quiet companionship, where they can share soft, intimate conversations and consume the lotus plant daily. Eating the lotus symbolizes their complete immersion in the forgetfulness and peace it offers, reinforcing their decision to abandon their journey and responsibilities.
“To watch the crisping ripples on the beach,
And tender curving lines of creamy spray;”
They picture themselves spending their days passively observing the gentle ripples and waves on the shore. The imagery of “crisping ripples” and “curving lines of creamy spray” reflects the hypnotic and soothing rhythm of nature, further lulling them into a state of peaceful detachment. The focus on such small, repetitive details underscores their rejection of active life in favor of quiet contemplation.
“To lend our hearts and spirits wholly
To the influence of mild-minded melancholy;”
The sailors express their willingness to embrace the gentle sadness (“mild-minded melancholy”) that characterizes the Lotos-land. This melancholy is not harsh or painful but reflective and soothing, allowing them to detach from the struggles of life and accept the peace of oblivion. The phrase captures their deep surrender to the land’s tranquil and dreamlike atmosphere.
“To muse and brood and live again in memory,
With those old faces of our infancy
Heap’d over with a mound of grass,
Two handfuls of white dust, shut in an urn of brass!”
The sailors long to retreat into their memories, revisiting the faces of loved ones from their childhoods. However, these memories are tinged with melancholy, as they imagine those “old faces” now buried under grass or reduced to “two handfuls of white dust” in a funeral urn. This imagery highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The sailors’ longing to live in memory reflects their desire to escape the present, even as they acknowledge the sadness of the past.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“Downward stream” and “crisping ripples on the beach” evoke a serene, flowing scene of water, emphasizing calm and continuity.
“Tender curving lines of creamy spray” captures the gentle motion of waves, adding to the tranquil setting.
“Amber light, which will not leave the myrrh-bush on the height”: The image of warm light lingering on a bush suggests timelessness and unchanging beauty.
“Two handfuls of white dust, shut in an urn of brass”: A poignant image of mortality, symbolizing the fragility and impermanence of life.
Symbolism
“Downward stream”:
Symbolizes the passage of time, flowing gently and uninterrupted, aligning with the sailors’ yearning for rest.
“Amber light”:
Represents a dreamlike state and the allure of timeless beauty, emphasizing the sailors’ desire to escape the transience of life.
“White dust” in the urn:
A stark symbol of mortality, reminding the sailors of the inevitability of death and their wish to reflect rather than struggle.
“Mild-minded melancholy”:
Represents the bittersweet beauty of reflective sadness, a peaceful acceptance of life’s impermanence.
Repetition
“To dream and dream”:
Repetition emphasizes the sailors’ yearning to remain in a perpetual state of peaceful reverie.
“Day by day”:
Suggests the repetitive and soothing rhythm of their imagined existence in the Lotos-land.
Alliteration
“To muse and brood and live again in memory”:
The repeated m sound reflects the meditative and reflective tone of the stanza.
Simile
“To dream and dream, like yonder amber light”:
The comparison of their dreams to the lingering light emphasizes their desire for a timeless, unchanging existence.
Personification
“Amber light, which will not leave the myrrh-bush”:
The light is personified as clinging to the bush, emphasizing timelessness and permanence in contrast to life’s fleeting struggles.
“The influence of mild-minded melancholy”:
Melancholy is personified as having an influence, suggesting its power to guide the sailors into introspection and peace.
Metaphor
“Heap’d over with a mound of grass”:
Refers to graves, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the sailors’ resignation to life’s transience.
VI
Dear is the memory of our wedded lives,
And dear the last embraces of our wives
And their warm tears: but all hath suffer’d change:
For surely now our household hearths are cold,
Our sons inherit us: our looks are strange:
And we should come like ghosts to trouble joy.
Or else the island princes over-bold
Have eat our substance, and the minstrel sings
Before them of the ten years’ war in Troy,
And our great deeds, as half-forgotten things.
Is there confusion in the little isle?
Let what is broken so remain.
The Gods are hard to reconcile:
‘Tis hard to settle order once again.
There is confusion worse than death,
Trouble on trouble, pain on pain,
Long labour unto aged breath,
Sore task to hearts worn out by many wars
And eyes grown dim with gazing on the pilot-stars.
Reference to Context
This excerpt is the sixth part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters. In this stanza, the sailors reflect on their distant homeland and relationships, lamenting how everything they left behind has likely changed. They imagine that their homes, families, and status have either been altered or lost over time. This contemplation deepens their sense of disconnection from their former lives, reinforcing their decision to abandon their journey and remain in the Lotos-land. The stanza captures the sailors’ resignation, emphasizing themes of change, loss, and the futility of returning to a life marked by struggle and disorder.
Detailed Explanation
“Dear is the memory of our wedded lives,
And dear the last embraces of our wives
And their warm tears: but all hath suffer’d change:”
The sailors begin by recalling the emotional bonds they left behind—fond memories of their marriages, their wives’ tearful farewells, and the warmth of their relationships. However, they acknowledge that “all hath suffer’d change,” expressing a sense of inevitability about time altering or erasing these connections. The tone here is bittersweet, blending nostalgia with resignation.
“For surely now our household hearths are cold,
Our sons inherit us: our looks are strange:”
They imagine their homes as “cold,” symbolizing emotional and physical distance. Their sons, who now “inherit us,” may no longer recognize them, and their “looks are strange,” suggesting that their absence has alienated them from their families. This reflects the sailors’ fear that they no longer have a meaningful place in the lives they left behind.
“And we should come like ghosts to trouble joy.”
The sailors view their potential return as disruptive rather than joyous. They would feel like “ghosts,” haunting the lives of their loved ones rather than bringing happiness. This line underscores their sense of irrelevance and emotional separation, as they fear that their presence might disturb the peace of those they left behind.
“Or else the island princes over-bold
Have eat our substance, and the minstrel sings
Before them of the ten years’ war in Troy,
And our great deeds, as half-forgotten things.”
The sailors speculate that their possessions may have been taken by opportunistic rulers (“island princes over-bold”) during their absence. The minstrels, who once sang of their heroism in the Trojan War, now recount their deeds as “half-forgotten things.” This reflects the passage of time, which diminishes even the greatest achievements, leaving the sailors with a sense of futility about their past efforts.
“Is there confusion in the little isle?
Let what is broken so remain.”
The sailors question whether their homeland is in a state of disorder (“confusion”). However, they resign themselves to the idea that it is better to leave what is “broken” as it is rather than attempt to restore it. This line reflects their growing belief that returning to their former lives would be both painful and futile.
“The Gods are hard to reconcile:
‘Tis hard to settle order once again.”
The sailors express frustration with the gods, blaming them for the chaos in their lives. They see the divine powers as distant and difficult to appease. The line “hard to settle order once again” reflects their weariness with trying to restore balance in their lives, reinforcing their desire to stay in the peaceful Lotos-land.
“There is confusion worse than death,
Trouble on trouble, pain on pain,
Long labour unto aged breath,”
The sailors equate the disorder and struggles of life with a fate “worse than death.” They lament the endless cycle of “trouble on trouble” and “pain on pain,” emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of their labor. The phrase “long labour unto aged breath” captures the exhaustion of a life spent enduring hardship, leaving the sailors longing for rest.
“Sore task to hearts worn out by many wars
And eyes grown dim with gazing on the pilot-stars.”
The stanza concludes with a reflection on the toll that their journey and battles have taken on them. Their “hearts” are “worn out by many wars,” both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing the emotional exhaustion of endless struggle. Their “eyes grown dim” from watching the “pilot-stars” signify the physical fatigue of navigating the seas and the metaphorical blindness caused by a life spent striving for an unreachable goal.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“Eyes grown dim with gazing on the pilot-stars”: Illustrates the physical exhaustion of navigation and the weariness of endless toil.
Symbolism
“Household hearths are cold”:
Symbolizes emotional disconnection and the loss of family ties, as well as the physical absence of the sailors.
“Our sons inherit us”:
Represents the passage of time and the loss of the sailors’ role in their families.
“Ghosts to trouble joy”:
The sailors see themselves as intrusions, haunting the happiness of those who have moved on in their absence.
“Pilot-stars”:
Symbolize guidance and direction, but also the relentless challenges and exhaustion of a life spent striving.
Repetition
“Trouble on trouble, pain on pain”:
The repetition emphasizes the cumulative nature of suffering and the sailors’ weariness of enduring endless hardships.
Alliteration
“Sore task to hearts worn out by many wars”:
The repetition of w sounds emphasizes weariness and emotional exhaustion.
Rhetorical Questions
“Is there confusion in the little isle?”:
Highlights the sailors’ uncertainty about the state of their homeland and whether their return would bring order or chaos.
“What is broken so remain”:
Suggests their unwillingness to address unresolved issues, preferring to avoid the struggle altogether.
Personification
“The minstrel sings / Before them of the ten years’ war in Troy”:
The minstrel’s song personifies history as a living, yet fading narrative, reflecting the fleeting nature of fame.
Juxtaposition
“Confusion worse than death”:
Juxtaposes the chaos of life with the peace of death, emphasizing the sailors’ preference for detachment and rest over a return to turmoil.
Metaphor
“Long labour unto aged breath”:
Life is metaphorically described as unending toil, wearing down the sailors’ strength and spirit.
VII
But, propt on beds of amaranth and moly,
How sweet (while warm airs lull us, blowing lowly)
With half-dropt eyelid still,
Beneath a heaven dark and holy,
To watch the long bright river drawing slowly
His waters from the purple hill—
To hear the dewy echoes calling
From cave to cave thro’ the thick-twined vine—
To watch the emerald-colour’d water falling
Thro’ many a wov’n acanthus-wreath divine!
Only to hear and see the far-off sparkling brine,
Only to hear were sweet, stretch’d out beneath the pine.
Reference to Context
This stanza, the seventh part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters, describes the sailors’ dreamlike vision of the eternal peace and beauty they long for in the Lotos-land. They imagine themselves reclining in complete tranquility, surrounded by an enchanting, otherworldly landscape. The description reflects their surrender to the land’s hypnotic allure, as they fully embrace the idea of staying in this paradise. The stanza emphasizes themes of rest, harmony, and detachment, contrasting sharply with the hardships of their past lives.
Detailed Explanation
“But, propt on beds of amaranth and moly,
How sweet (while warm airs lull us, blowing lowly)”
The sailors envision themselves resting on “beds of amaranth and moly,” both of which have mythological connotations. Amaranth symbolizes immortality, while moly (a magical herb from Homer’s Odyssey) represents protection and enchantment. This imagery suggests that they see the Lotos-land as a place where they can escape death and hardship. The “warm airs” that “lull us, blowing lowly” evoke a sense of comfort and peace, emphasizing the soothing atmosphere of the land.
“With half-dropt eyelid still,
Beneath a heaven dark and holy,”
The sailors describe themselves as being in a state of restful semi-consciousness, with “half-dropt eyelid,” symbolizing their transition into a dreamlike state. The “heaven dark and holy” suggests a celestial, sacred quality to their surroundings, further reinforcing the idea of the Lotos-land as a paradise where they can find eternal peace and spiritual fulfillment.
“To watch the long bright river drawing slowly
His waters from the purple hill—”
They imagine a serene river flowing “slowly” from a “purple hill.” The river’s movement is gentle and unhurried, symbolizing the calm and harmonious rhythm of life in the Lotos-land. The “purple hill” evokes a sense of majesty and divinity, enhancing the otherworldly beauty of the setting.
“To hear the dewy echoes calling
From cave to cave thro’ the thick-twined vine—”
The sailors describe the soft “dewy echoes” resonating between caves, creating an auditory image of peace and harmony. The “thick-twined vine” adds to the lush, dreamlike quality of the scene, suggesting that the Lotos-land is a place of abundant natural beauty and tranquility.
“To watch the emerald-colour’d water falling
Thro’ many a wov’n acanthus-wreath divine!”
The imagery of “emerald-colour’d water falling” through “wov’n acanthus-wreath” evokes a picture of sparkling, verdant waterfalls. Acanthus, often associated with classical art and architecture, symbolizes immortality and beauty, reinforcing the divine and eternal nature of the Lotos-land.
“Only to hear and see the far-off sparkling brine,
Only to hear were sweet, stretch’d out beneath the pine.”
The stanza concludes with the sailors imagining themselves lying peacefully under pine trees, content to hear and see the “far-off sparkling brine” of the sea. The repetition of “only to hear” emphasizes their complete surrender to the passive joys of the Lotos-land, where even the simplest sensations bring profound contentment. Their wish to remain “stretch’d out beneath the pine” underscores their desire for eternal rest and detachment from the struggles of the outside world.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery
“Beds of amaranth and moly”: Evokes a scene of mythical, eternal beauty, with flowers symbolizing immortality and protection.
“Long bright river drawing slowly / His waters from the purple hill”: A serene image of a slow-moving river originating from a majestic, violet-tinted hill.
“Emerald-colour’d water falling / Thro’ many a wov’n acanthus-wreath divine”: Captures the vivid green water cascading through intricately woven vines, evoking divine artistry and nature’s harmony.
Symbolism
“Amaranth and moly”:
Amaranth is a mythical flower symbolizing immortality, while moly (from Homer’s Odyssey) is a magical herb associated with protection. Together, they represent eternal rest and safety in this divine refuge.
“Purple hill”:
Symbolizes majesty and divinity, suggesting a place untouched by mortal struggles.
“Emerald-colour’d water”:
Represents purity, renewal, and the otherworldly beauty of the Lotos-land.
“Dewy echoes”:
Symbolize the interconnected harmony of nature, reinforcing the sailors’ yearning for unity and peace.
Alliteration
“Warm airs lull us, blowing lowly”:
The repetition of l sound creates a soft, soothing rhythm, mirroring the calming breeze described.
“From cave to cave thro’ the thick-twined vine”:
The repetition of t sounds adds to the flowing, melodic quality of the stanza.
Personification
“Warm airs lull us, blowing lowly”:
The warm breeze is personified as gently comforting the sailors, enhancing the nurturing quality of the Lotos-land.
“Dewy echoes calling”:
The echoes are personified as actively “calling,” creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the natural world.
Juxtaposition
“Heaven dark and holy”:
Juxtaposes the concepts of darkness (mystery, rest) with holiness (purity, divinity), reinforcing the Lotos-land as a place of divine rest and reflection.
Metaphor
“Beds of amaranth and moly”:
The “beds” metaphorically represent eternal rest and escape from the hardships of life, embodying the sailors’ ultimate desire.
VIII
The Lotos blooms below the barren peak:
The Lotos blows by every winding creek:
All day the wind breathes low with mellower tone:
Thro’ every hollow cave and alley lone
Round and round the spicy downs the yellow Lotos-dust is blown.
We have had enough of action, and of motion we,
Roll’d to starboard, roll’d to larboard, when the surge was seething free,
Where the wallowing monster spouted his foam-fountains in the sea.
Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind,
In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined
On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.
For they lie beside their nectar, and the bolts are hurl’d
Far below them in the valleys, and the clouds are lightly curl’d
Round their golden houses, girdled with the gleaming world:
Where they smile in secret, looking over wasted lands,
Blight and famine, plague and earthquake, roaring deeps and fiery sands,
Clanging fights, and flaming towns, and sinking ships, and praying hands.
But they smile, they find a music centred in a doleful song
Steaming up, a lamentation and an ancient tale of wrong,
Like a tale of little meaning tho’ the words are strong;
Chanted from an ill-used race of men that cleave the soil,
Sow the seed, and reap the harvest with enduring toil,
Storing yearly little dues of wheat, and wine and oil;
Till they perish and they suffer—some, ’tis whisper’d—down in hell
Suffer endless anguish, others in Elysian valleys dwell,
Resting weary limbs at last on beds of asphodel.
Surely, surely, slumber is more sweet than toil, the shore
Than labour in the deep mid-ocean, wind and wave and oar;
O, rest ye, brother mariners, we will not wander more.
Reference to Context
This stanza, the final part of the Choric Song in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lotos-Eaters, represents the sailors’ ultimate resolution to stay in the Lotos-land and abandon their journey. They reflect on the peace and beauty of the land, contrasting it with the hardships of their past lives and the relentless toil of humanity. The stanza combines rich imagery of the idyllic Lotos-land with a philosophical reflection on the futility of human struggle, culminating in their decision to embrace a life of rest and detachment.
Detailed Explanation
“The Lotos blooms below the barren peak:
The Lotos blows by every winding creek:”
The stanza opens with an image of the lotus plant flourishing in the otherwise desolate environment. The contrast between the “barren peak” and the abundant Lotos symbolizes the plant’s magical and life-sustaining nature, which offers peace and solace amidst harsh conditions. The “winding creek” suggests the plant’s pervasive presence throughout the land, emphasizing its central role in the sailors’ seduction.
“All day the wind breathes low with mellower tone:
Thro’ every hollow cave and alley lone
Round and round the spicy downs the yellow Lotos-dust is blown.”
The description of the “mellower tone” of the wind and the “yellow Lotos-dust” spreading throughout the land reinforces the tranquil and hypnotic atmosphere of the Lotos-land. The reference to “spicy downs” adds a sensory element to the imagery, suggesting a fragrant and idyllic environment that contrasts sharply with the sailors’ previous struggles.
“We have had enough of action, and of motion we,
Roll’d to starboard, roll’d to larboard, when the surge was seething free,
Where the wallowing monster spouted his foam-fountains in the sea.”
The sailors express their exhaustion with the ceaseless action and motion of their seafaring lives. The imagery of being “roll’d to starboard” and “roll’d to larboard” vividly captures the chaos and instability of life at sea. The “wallowing monster” likely refers to a whale or the sea itself, symbolizing the uncontrollable and fearsome forces they have faced.
“Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind,
In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined
On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.”
The sailors resolve to stay in the Lotos-land, swearing an oath to embrace a life of ease and detachment. They imagine themselves living “like Gods,” free from human struggles and responsibilities. This comparison to gods underscores their desire to transcend the burdens of mortal life and achieve a state of eternal rest and peace.
“For they lie beside their nectar, and the bolts are hurl’d
Far below them in the valleys, and the clouds are lightly curl’d
Round their golden houses, girdled with the gleaming world:”
The sailors liken themselves to gods reclining in divine comfort, untouched by the chaos of the mortal world below. The imagery of “golden houses” and “gleaming world” creates an ethereal and majestic vision, reflecting their idealized perception of the Lotos-land as a paradise.
“Where they smile in secret, looking over wasted lands,
Blight and famine, plague and earthquake, roaring deeps and fiery sands,
Clanging fights, and flaming towns, and sinking ships, and praying hands.”
The sailors imagine themselves as detached observers of the suffering and destruction in the human world. They reflect on the endless cycle of calamities—wars, natural disasters, and human misery—suggesting that such struggles are futile. Their “secret smile” conveys a sense of superiority and detachment, as they reject the pain of mortal existence.
“But they smile, they find a music centred in a doleful song
Steaming up, a lamentation and an ancient tale of wrong,
Like a tale of little meaning tho’ the words are strong;”
The “doleful song” represents humanity’s perpetual suffering and lamentation. The sailors see this as a distant, almost meaningless story, detached from their own lives. The phrase “like a tale of little meaning” reflects their growing indifference to the struggles of mankind, emphasizing their rejection of the values and duties that once defined their existence.
“Chanted from an ill-used race of men that cleave the soil,
Sow the seed, and reap the harvest with enduring toil,
Storing yearly little dues of wheat, and wine and oil;”
The sailors reflect on the plight of humanity, describing humans as an “ill-used race” condemned to endless labor. The imagery of “cleaving the soil,” “sowing seed,” and “reaping the harvest” evokes the repetitive and exhausting nature of agricultural toil. Despite their efforts, humans are left with only “little dues,” symbolizing the futility of their work.
“Till they perish and they suffer—some, ’tis whisper’d—down in hell
Suffer endless anguish, others in Elysian valleys dwell,
Resting weary limbs at last on beds of asphodel.”
The sailors contemplate the human condition, where death leads either to eternal suffering in hell or rest in the “Elysian valleys,” a paradise of Greek mythology. The “beds of asphodel” symbolize a peaceful afterlife, reinforcing the sailors’ longing for rest. This contrast between suffering and peace highlights their desire to avoid the pain of life and embrace eternal ease.
“Surely, surely, slumber is more sweet than toil, the shore
Than labour in the deep mid-ocean, wind and wave and oar;
O, rest ye, brother mariners, we will not wander more.”
The stanza concludes with the sailors affirming their decision to stay in the Lotos-land. They declare that “slumber is more sweet than toil,” choosing rest over the relentless struggles of life. The repetition of “we will not wander more” solidifies their resolve to abandon their journey and responsibilities, embracing the peace and forgetfulness of the Lotos-land.
Poetic Devices:
Alliteration:
The repetition of consonant sounds creates a musical effect that enhances the dreamlike quality of the poem:
“Lotos blooms below the barren peak” (repetition of b sounds).
“Sparkling brine, stretch’d out beneath the pine” (repetition of s and p sounds).
Assonance:
The repetition of vowel sounds adds a soothing, rhythmic flow:
“In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined” (repetition of the i sound).
Personification:
Nature and elements are given human traits to make the setting more vivid and dynamic:
“The wind breathes low with mellower tone,” as though the wind is alive and nurturing.
“The long bright river drawing slowly his waters,” personifying the river as purposeful and calm.
“The yellow Lotos-dust is blown,” suggesting the lotus plant is actively spreading its influence.
Epizeuxis:
The repetition of words for emphasis:
“Surely, surely, slumber is more sweet than toil,” reinforcing the sailors’ belief in rest over labor.
Imagery:
The use of sensory details appeals to all five senses, immersing the reader in the Lotos-land:
Visual: “The Lotos blooms below the barren peak,” “golden houses,” “sparkling brine.”
Auditory: “The wind breathes low,” “dewy echoes calling.”
Tactile: “Warm airs lull us, blowing lowly.”
Olfactory: “Round and round the spicy downs.”
Contrast (Juxtaposition):
The peaceful life in the Lotos-land is contrasted with the chaos and toil of the mortal world:
“Careless of mankind” vs. “wasted lands, blight and famine, plague and earthquake.”
“Slumber is more sweet than toil” vs. “labour in the deep mid-ocean.”
Symbolism:
The Lotos: Represents forgetfulness, escapism, and detachment from life’s struggles.
“Beds of asphodel”: Symbolizes the afterlife and eternal rest, referencing Greek mythology.
“Golden houses”: Suggests divine immortality and detachment from earthly concerns.
“Blight and famine, plague and earthquake”: Represent human suffering and the inevitable turmoil of mortal life.
Paradox:
The sailors compare themselves to gods, who are detached and seemingly carefree, yet the “gods” observe human suffering with a “doleful song,” indicating even detachment is not without melancholy:
“They smile, they find a music centred in a doleful song.”
Rhetorical Questions:
The sailors pose unspoken questions to justify their decision to stay:
“What pleasure can we have / To war with evil?”
This emphasizes their frustration with life’s struggles and reinforces their longing for peace.
Mythological Allusions:
References to “asphodel,” “Elysian valleys,” and “moly” ground the poem in classical mythology, enhancing its timeless and universal themes.
