"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.