Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Alfred, Lord Tennyson… poet of memory and imagination

Spend the term exploring the rich and musical poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, one of the most beloved voices of the Victorian age. Writing during a century marked by rapid change, scientific discovery, and questions of faith and identity, Tennyson looked both backward and forward—drawing upon history, legend, nature, and personal experience to create poetry that continues to resonate today.

Through his poetry, students encounter a world shaped by medieval imagination, noble ideals, and deep reflection on loss, courage, beauty, and hope. From the enchanted mystery of The Lady of Shalott to the stirring courage of The Charge of the Light Brigade and the enduring themes of Arthurian legend, Tennyson invites readers into stories that have shaped the cultural imagination for generations.

Tennyson was a master of poetic sound and rhythm. His verses often imitate the movement, mood, and meaning of what they describe—the flowing current of a brook, the relentless crash of waves, or the thunder of charging cavalry. Through careful attention to language and form, students learn how poetry can be heard as well as read.

In this study, students will:

• Explore the enduring influence of medieval legend and Arthurian imagination
• Learn how rhythm, repetition, and sound shape meaning in poetry
• Engage with themes of courage, loss, memory, beauty, and perseverance

This guide is designed to be used over one term (12 weeks), with one lesson each week lasting approximately 20 minutes. Students are encouraged to read aloud, listen closely, narrate, and recite—allowing Tennyson’s memorable lines and musical language to cultivate both imagination and an appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry.

Recommended contemporary and complimentary studies:

History – The Symphony of History, Vol. 2 Nocturne (Middle Ages)

Geography – Asia “Rising Light”

Composer – Echoes in the Cloister and Ralph Vaughan Williams and Echoes in the Courts

Poetry – Geoffrey Chaucer and Gerard Manley Hopkins

Picture – Giotto and John Everett Millais and Albrecht Durer

Folk songs – Minstrels and Troubadours



*the guide includes QR Codes for easy links, if you choose to print the document.

For printing, we recommend our print partner Humble Heart Press.

** due to the nature of digital products, we are unable to accept returns.