The Merman

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Narrative Poem
I. Who would be A merman bold, Sitting alone, Singing alone Under the sea, With a crown of gold, On a throne? II. I would be a merman bold, I would sit and sing the whole of the day; I would fill the sea-halls with a voice of power; But at night I would roam abroad and play With the mermaids in and out of the rocks, Dressing their hair with the white sea-flower; And holding them back by their flowing locks I would kiss them often under the sea, And kiss them again till they kissd me Laughingly, laughingly; And then we would wander away, away To the pale-green sea-groves straight and high, Chasing each other merrily. III. There would be neither moon nor star; But the wave would make music above us afar Low thunder and light in the magic night Neither moon nor star. We would call aloud in the dreamy dells, Call to each other and whoop and cry All night, merrily, merrily; They would pelt me with starry spangles and shells, Laughing and clapping their hands between, All night, merrily, merrily: But I would throw to them back in mine Turkis and agate and almondine: Then leaping out upon them unseen I would kiss them often under the sea, And kiss them again till they kissd me Laughingly, laughingly. Oh! what a happy life were mine Under the hollow-hung ocean green! Soft are the moss-beds under the sea; We would live merrily, merrily.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A fantastical exploration of escapism and desire, this poem immerses the reader in an underwater world where the speaker longs to be a 'merman bold'. The poem is characterized by a distinct, dreamlike tone, resulting in an atmosphere of both playfulness and yearning. Its structure, divided into three parts, follows the speaker's journey from mere contemplation to a vivid, detailed longing for life beneath the sea, and finally to a joyful, if imagined, engagement with that life.

The poem's primary theme is a yearning for a different, freer existence away from societal norms and expectations; the speaker's desire to be a merman represents this wish for an unconventional, carefree life. The language is rich with imagery and sensory detail, painting a vivid picture of this underwater Utopia where merriment, love, and freedom are abundant. One standout literary device is the use of repetition, specifically of the word 'merrily', which reinforces the speaker's idealization of this underwater life.

The poem's tone is predominantly joyful and carefree, yet beneath it lies a poignant undercurrent of longing and unfulfilled desire. The speaker's fanciful dreaming of a merman's life may reflect a dissatisfaction with their reality, suggesting a deeper theme of escapism. The poem is a compelling exploration of yearning for freedom and the power of imagination, wrapped in the enchanting allure of an underwater fantasy.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.