The Splender Falls

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
The splendor falls on castle walls And snowy summits old in story; The long light shakes across the lakes, And the wild cataract leaps in glory. Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying Blow, bugle; answers, echoes, dying, dying, dying. O hark, O hear! how thin and clear, And thinner, clearer, farther going! O sweet and far from cliff and scar The horns of Elfland faintly blowing! Blow, let us hear the purple glens replying; Blow, bugle; answer, echoes, dying, dying, dying. O love, they die in yon rich sky, They faint on hill or field or river; Our echoes roll from soul to soul, And grow forever and forever. Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying, And answer, echoes, answer, dying, dying ,dying

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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 poignant exploration of themes such as time, memory, and the enduring power of love. The author employs a vivid and evocative landscape as a backdrop, with the splendor falling on castle walls, long light shaking across lakes, and wild cataracts leaping in glory. This imagery serves to create an atmosphere of grandeur and antiquity, perhaps suggesting the transience of human life and achievements against the backdrop of nature and time.

The repetition of the phrase "Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying, and answer, echoes, answer, dying, dying, dying" serves as a haunting refrain, underlining the theme of passing time and the ephemerality of existence. However, the final stanza introduces a note of hope and continuity through love, with the echoes rolling from soul to soul and growing forever. This transition in tone, from contemplating mortality to affirming the power of love, adds complexity and depth to the poem. In terms of structure, the poet uses an A-B-C-B-D-E-F-F rhyme scheme, which lends a rhythmic quality to the reading and complements the lyricism of the language. The use of alliteration, as in "wild echoes flying," and the assonance in "dying, dying, dying" also contribute to the musicality of the poem.

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.