"Crossing the Bar" by Tennyson Analysis

Humanity has always had a fascination with life and death, and the out of body experience one faces between both realms. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Mayans surmised their ideas on this topic, before the existence of Christ. And over the years, the same topic is still discussed with fervor, but with different conclusions and ways of expression. In turn, one such poet that discussed this topic was Alfred Tennyson in the late 19^th century, in his poem, “Crossing the Bar.” One may look at this poem at a basic level, and assume that is about a young man’s journey at sea and the experiences he faces. However, one must also look beyond the basic definition of this poem to understand that Tennyson is conveying the limbo one faces between life and death. But most importantly, it represents Tennyson’s own views on this matter, one of which is at peace and acceptance that he must eventually move onto a different realm.

The poem starts when a young man is embarking on a journey at Sea, “ Sunset and evening start, and one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea.” As suggested above in lines 1-4, the sun has set and it is nightfall, and he hears a voice that is calling him out to sea, he then hopes that as he embarks on his journey, he doesn’t have to hear the moaning noise that occurs when waves hit the sandbar. Consequently, Tennyson uses the “bar” as a metaphor to distinguish between life and death, as the sandbar is the area where there is a mound of sand, and the only way to reach the shore is when the sea crashes against the edge of the bar. Tennyson dreads the “moaning” of the sandbar because he knows that it represents the limitations of life and the impending journey and destination that leads one to death.

Furthermore, in lines 9-12, Tennyson states, “ twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark.” In turn, we can see the shift of time between evening to twilight, where one is engrossed with complete darkness. Likewise, the sailor hopes that no one will be sad as he embarks on this new journey. On the other hand, this statement conveys Tennyson’s own thoughts about death, he hopes that as time lingers on, no one will be sad as he passes away and journeys into another realm. He substantiates his claim in lines 13- 16,“ For tho’ from out our bourne of time and place, the flood may bear me far, I hope to see my pilot face to face, when I have crost the bar.” In turn, he claims that even though he will be carried away beyond the limits of time and space, that he will be in good hands, as he crosses the barrier. He also hopes to look at the “pilot” eye-to-eye, as he leads him across the barrier. Consequently, one can infer that the “pilot” represents god, and the reason he doesn’t want anyone to worry or be saddened about his death is because he knows he is in good hands. Likewise, one can also insinuate that “crost the bar,” represents crossing over into a new and unknown world, and the bar represents the pivotal middlemen that leads one from life to death.

Mankind has always been fascinated with the concept of life and death, starting from the ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians and Mayans to present day. However, over the years the approach in understanding, dissecting and convey ideas on this matter has changed. Alfred Tennyson, is no acceptation to this rule, he conveyed his thoughts about life and death, and the inevitable barrier between life and death in his poem, “Crossing the Bar.” One may look at this poem and ascertain it is about a sailor that has ventured out in sea and his experiences, but in actuality it represents a man’s journey and crossing the barrier from life to death. And most importantly, it characterizes Tennyson’s views on this matter, which is docile and at peace that one must eventually pass away. 

"The World Is Too Much With Us" Analysis

William Wordsworth was a simplistic romantic poet, unlike his counterparts; he uses un-vague and intrinsic language to deliver a message on the human condition. In his poem, “The World Is Too Much With Us,” Wordsworth makes an initial claim that humanity has lost touch with nature, and their focus has shifted to materialistic needs. However, when one has thoroughly evaluated the poem, you can also ascertain that Wordsworth on a secondary level is making a claim on a lack of imagination and the negative influence of organized religion on one’s imagination and ability to think freely. In turn, he delivers his message with succinct and cohesive language.

“The world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waster our powers; - little we see in Nature that is ours.” In turn, in lines 1-3, Wordsworth is very direct with the statement he is trying to relay, he claims that humanity is too caught up in materialistic things, whether it is clothes, cars, diamonds or etc. He claims that these aspects have no relevance in our life, and that nature holds this unlocked beauty. In turn, he is differentiating nature and materialism, claiming that one is looking for happiness in money-oriented and overly complex objects, but one should find happiness in nature and simplicity. He also makes an indirect comment on the industrial revolution, where he suggests that people are wasting their time in factories inhaling black smoke and surrounded by unhappiness, ruining nature. Instead, they could be inspired by nature, observing beauty, surrounded by happiness and breathing fresh air.

On the other hand Wordsworth makes a comment on religious aspects during his period, claiming that, “ Great God! I’d rather be a Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; so might I, standing on this pleasant lea, have glimpses that would make me less forlorn.” In lines 9-12, Wordsworth suggests that organized religion has affected humanity in a negative way, suggesting that the human mind has been deceived to think a certain way; there is no longer free will to perceive something without any pre-conceived notions. In fact, he asserts that he would rather be pagan, standing out from the rest of the crowd, so he can maintain his imagination and ability to freely take in nature, without any religious organization filling his mind with any ideas. In fact he proceeds in lines 13-14, by making a comment on the power of nature and imagination, “ Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea; or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.” In turn, Wordsworth suggests that nature and imagination are powerful aspects in one’s life, claiming that if one was allowed to think freely without being deceived by religious notions, they could imagine things like Proteus rising from the sea, or Triton blowing his horn.

        

In turn, Wordsworth is very direct; his comments on the human condition don’t hold any ambiguous ideas. He is frustrated by the human condition, the ability of humans to misuse their powers by focusing on materialistic matters, rather than focus on nature. He is also disturbed that organized religion could have control over a person’s ability to think freely and let their imagination flow. In turn, he espouses the ability of nature to inspire one’s imagination, the ability of free will to expand one’s mind.