England And America In 1782

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
O thou that sendest out the man To rule by land and sea, Strong mother of a Lion-line, Be proud of those strong sons of thine Who wrenchd their rights from thee! What wonder if in noble heat Those men thine arms withstood, Retaught the lesson thou hadst taught, And in thy spirit with thee fought Who sprang from English blood! But thou rejoice with liberal joy, Lift up thy rocky face, And shatter, when the storms are black, In many a streaming torrent back, The seas that shock thy base! Whatever harmonies of law The growing world assume, Thy work is thinethe single note From that deep chord which Hampden smote Will vibrate to the doom.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem speaks to themes of power, resistance, and pride, focusing on the relationship between a ruling entity (presumably a motherland or governing power) and its progeny who have fought for their rights. The poet uses personification to address this entity, referring to it as a "strong mother of a Lion-line". The tone is simultaneously critical, acknowledging the struggle of the subjects to wrench their rights from the entity, and also laudatory, encouraging the entity to take pride in these same subjects.

The poem's structure, consistent rhyme scheme, and the use of the antiquated "thou" vocabulary suggest a formal and traditional approach, possibly a nod to the classic English poetic tradition. The poet also skillfully employs vivid imagery, particularly in the third stanza with the stirring image of a rocky face shattering the stormy seas. This serves as a metaphor for resilience and defiance in the face of oppressive forces.

The final stanza refers to "harmonies of law" and a "deep chord which Hampden smote", implying a connection to historical events or figures, thereby grounding the poem's abstract themes in concrete historical reality. The poet seems to be saying that the struggle for rights and freedom is a timeless, ongoing process, echoing from the past into the future. This poem, therefore, is a celebration of resistance and the power of the indomitable spirit, even under a governing power.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.