Crossing The Bar

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Elegy
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, 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. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For through 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 crossed the bar.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a profound meditation on the theme of mortality, using maritime imagery as metaphors for the journey from life to the afterlife. The poet's tone is serene and accepting, with no fear or regret apparent in the face of the inevitable end.

The structure of the poem is tightly controlled, with the same number of lines in each stanza and a consistent rhyme scheme, creating a sense of order and tranquility that mirrors the poet's acceptance of death. The refrain "And may there be no moaning of the bar" and "And may there be no sadness of farewell" further reinforce this theme of peaceful transition.

The poem is also notable for its use of metaphor and personification. The sea and the bar are used as metaphors for death and the boundary between life and the afterlife, while the 'Pilot' is a personification of a divine or spiritual guide. This use of maritime imagery and language not only creates a vivid sense of the journey the speaker is about to undertake, but also imbues the poem with a timeless, universal quality, as the sea is a common symbol for the unknown and the eternal.

Overall, the poem presents a deeply personal yet universal reflection on death and the afterlife, expressed through beautiful and evocative maritime imagery.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.