Lecture Notes on "Tithonus" by Lord Alfred Tennyson

Introduction to Lecture

• Photograph of Bananas: Illustrates the stages of life.
  • Fresh banana (youth)
  • Aging banana
  • Decaying banana
  • Completely decayed banana (death)
• Moral: Life's impermanence; humility is important because nothing stays fresh forever.
  • Karma: Be kind to others, as negativity can return to you.

Overview of the Poem

• Poet: Lord Alfred Tennyson, celebrated Victorian poet, poet laureate for over 40 years.
• Themes in Tennyson's Poetry:
  • Mortality
  • Love
  • Nature
• Discussion on Language:
  • Emphasis on understanding the poem in English for better examination preparation.

Character Background: Tithonus

• Mythological Background:
  • Tithonus: Handsome Trojan prince, beloved by Eos (Aurora in Roman mythology).
  • Eos asked Zeus for Tithonus's immortality, but forgot to request eternal youth.
  • Result: Tithonus lives forever but ages endlessly, becoming a cautionary tale about wishes.
• Tennyson's Twist:
  • In Tennyson's version, it is Tithonus who desires immortality, leading to his suffering.

Major Themes of the Poem

1. Aging and Death:
   • Exploration of the fear of growing old and the desire for immortality.
2. Isolation:
   • Tithonus experiences despair as he watches loved ones age and die while he remains immortal.
3. Human Desire:
   • Complexity of human longing; careful consideration of what we wish for.
4. Mortality vs. Immortality:
   • Tithonus's plight serves as a contrast to natural life cycles.

Poetic Form and Structure

• Dramatic Monologue:
  • Entire poem is spoken by Tithonus, revealing his inner thoughts and feelings.
• Style:
  • Use of imagery and strong visual language.
• Original Title: Initially titled "Tithon"; republished in 1859 as "Tithonus" in "Cornhill Magazine".

Analysis of Stanzas

Stanza 1

• Imagery of Decay:
  • "The woods decay..." emphasizes impermanence and life cycles.
  • Woods decay symbolize the relentless march of time.
• Personification of Nature:
  • "Vapors weep their burden to the ground" highlights nature's sorrow.
• Cycle of Life:
  • Man's birth and death represented in the line about tilling the field.

Stanza 2

• Cruel Immortality:
  • Tithonus laments being consumed by immortality.
• Contrast of Past and Present:
  • Reflects on his glorious past as a handsome youth.
• Bitter Realization:
  • Criticizes Eos for granting his wish without considering its consequences.

Stanza 3

• Desire to Return:
  • Tithonus longs to return to the mortal world.
• Mysterious Glimmer:
  • Describes Eos's beauty, yet it highlights Tithonus's decay.

Stanza 4

• Emotional Distance:
  • Tithonus feels detached from Eos's beauty.
• Fear of Immortality:
  • Remembers his mortal life fears being trapped in his current state.

Stanza 5

• Reflection on the Past:
  • Expresses sadness for losing his youthful passion.
• Intense Connection:
  • Describes the beauty of Eos and their past intimacy.

Stanza 6

• Final Plea:
  • Tithonus begs for release from his immortal state.
• Grief for Mortality:
  • Recognizes the privilege of death and yearns for peace in death.

Poetic Devices

• Personification: "Vapors weep their burden"
• Transferred Epithet: "Weep their burden" implies human qualities to vapors.
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions create emotional depth.
• Simile: Comparisons using "like" or "as" enhance meaning.
• Repetition: Emphasizes key themes and emotional weight.

Conclusion

• Overall Message:
  • Tithonus's story is a cautionary tale about the implications of immortality and the natural cycle of life and death.
  • Urges careful consideration of desires and wishes.

Additional Resources

• Notes available on Study with Sudhir's Instagram and WhatsApp channels.
• Upcoming SWS success test papers with chapter-wise questions and answers.