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What is the primary message of Tennyson's poem 'Tithonus'?
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The primary message is to be humble, as youth and vigor do not last forever.
Describe the imagery used in the first stanza that sets the tone of the poem.
Imagery of woods decaying and vapors weeping sets a tone of inevitable decline and contrasts the life cycle with Tithonus's endless aging.
What are the key themes explored in 'Tithonus'?
The key themes are aging and death, despair and isolation, human desires, and the consequences of getting what one wishes for.
What do the 'strong Hours' symbolize in the poem?
The 'strong Hours' symbolize the goddesses of time who, jealous of Tithonus's immortality, cause him to age endlessly.
What literary device does Tennyson use to emphasize the relentless passage of time in 'Tithonus'?
Repetition, such as 'woods decay,' is used to emphasize the relentless passage of time.
Which Victorian poet wrote 'Tithonus' and what official role did he serve in for over 40 years?
Lord Alfred Tennyson, who served as Poet Laureate.
How does Tennyson contrast natural cycles with Tithonus's fate in the poem?
Tithonus notes the decay and renewal of the woods and vapors, juxtaposing these natural cycles with his trapped immortality.
Describe the twist Tennyson adds to the original myth of Tithonus.
In Tennyson's version, Tithonus asks for immortality himself but doesn't get eternal youth, leading to eternal aging.
What is Tithonus's final plea to Eos, and why is it significant?
Tithonus begs Eos to release him from immortality and allow him to die, signifying his realization that peace can only be found in death.
How does Tennyson use metaphor in 'Tithonus' to convey Tithonus’s suffering?
Tennyson uses metaphors like 'immortality consumes' to depict the relentless nature of Tithonus's suffering due to endless aging.
In Greek mythology, who is Tithonus and what is his relationship with Eos?
Tithonus is a handsome Trojan prince and the lover of Eos, the goddess of Dawn.
What role does personification play in the poem 'Tithonus'?
Personification is used to ascribe human qualities to non-human elements, such as 'vapors weeping' and 'woods decay,' enhancing the theme of nature versus unnatural immortality.
What does Tithonus lament about in the second stanza?
He laments his lost beauty and god-like status before he asked for immortality and criticizes Eos for carelessly granting his wish.
What insight does Tithonus gain by the end of the poem?
By the end of the poem, Tithonus realizes and accepts the peace that death brings, desiring an end to his immortal suffering.
Explain the significance of Eos's dawn and its impact on Tithonus.
Eos's dawn symbolizes eternal youth and beauty, contrasting with Tithonus's eternal decay and highlighting his helplessness.
How does the poem depict the emotional distance between Tithonus and Eos?
The lack of communication and understanding between them highlights their emotional distance, despite their physical proximity.
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