The Spiteful Letter

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
Here, it is here, the close of the year, And with it a spiteful letter. My name in song has done him much wrong, For himself has done much better. O little bard, is your lot so hard, If men neglect your pages? I think not much of yours or of mine, I hear the roll of the ages. Rhymes and rhymes in the range of the times! Are mine for the moment stronger? Yet hate me not, but abide your lot; I last but a moment longer. This faded leaf, our names are as brief; What room is left for a hater? Yet the yellow leaf hates the greener leaf, For it hangs one moment later. Greater than Iis that your cry? And men will live to see it. Wellif it be soso it is, you know; And if it be so, so be it. Brief, brief is a summer leaf, But this is the time of hollies. O hollies and ivies and evergreens, How I hate the spites and the follies!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a profound meditation on the nature of rivalry, fame, transience, and the passing of time. The poet uses a metaphor of leaves and seasons to highlight the fleeting nature of life and one's accomplishments. The opening sets a tone of conflict and resentment, expressed through the receipt of a 'spiteful letter,' and flows into a reflection on the vanity and futility of such emotions in the grand scope of time.

The rhyme scheme and rhythm provide a musicality that contrasts with the heavy themes, creating an ironic juxtaposition. The repetition of the word 'brief' underscores the transience of fame and life, while the use of natural imagery (leaves, hollies, ivies, and evergreens) provides a vivid symbol of the cyclical and fleeting nature of existence.

The tone shifts from defensive to reflective and finally to a resigned acceptance, captured in the line 'And if it be so, so be it.' The final stanza, with its invocation of 'spites and follies,' serves as a critique of petty rivalries and conflicts, which are depicted as meaningless in the face of life's ephemeral quality. The poem, therefore, is a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the futility of harboring resentment or seeking fleeting fame. It encourages the reader to rise above petty squabbles and to accept the inevitable passage of time with grace and equanimity. The poet's philosophical insights, delivered through simple yet evocative language and imagery, make the poem a compelling exploration of human existence and emotion.

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.