Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson

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Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel, and lower the proud;
Turn thy wild wheel thro' sunshine, storm, and cloud;
Thy wheel and thee we neither love nor hate.

Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel with smile or frown;
With that wild wheel we go not up or down;
Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great.

Smile and we smile, the lords of many lands;
Frown and we smile, the lords of our own hands;
For man is man and master of his fate.

Turn, turn thy wheel above the staring crowd;
Thy wheel and thou are shadows in the cloud;
Thy wheel and thee we neither love nor hate.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem explores the theme of fate and human agency, using the recurring symbol of Fortune's wheel. The wheel traditionally represents the unpredictable nature of life – the ups and downs, the highs and lows, all dictated by the turn of Fortune's wheel. However, this poem offers a unique perspective on this concept, suggesting a certain detachment and resilience in the face of life's vicissitudes.

The tone is steady, reflective, and strong, matching the speaker’s stance on Fortune's influence. The structure consists of three quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, which parallels the unchanging resolve of the speaker amidst the ever-turning wheel of Fortune. The repetition of the phrase "Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel" serves to emphasize the incessant, uncontrollable nature of fate, while the refrain "we neither love nor hate" conveys a sense of stoicism and acceptance.

The poem also uses the striking contrast between "the lords of many lands" and "the lords of our own hands" to highlight the distinction between external power and internal control. The concluding lines call attention to the ephemeral nature of fortune and the ultimate insignificance of its machinations, reinforcing the overarching theme of personal sovereignty over one's destiny. This is encapsulated in the powerful assertion "For man is man and master of his fate", underlining the human capacity for autonomy despite the whims of Fortune.

Overall, the poem is a compelling commentary on the human condition, providing a nuanced exploration of fate, fortune, and the power of personal resolve.