Maud by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Overview "Maud" is a narrative poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, first published in 1855. It is a dramatic monologue that explores themes of love, grief, madness, and societal decay through the troubled perspective of its unnamed protagonist. Plot Summary The poem opens with the narrator mourning his father's suicide, which followed financial ruin caused by a wealthy neighbor-Maud's father. The narrator falls passionately in love with Maud, the daughter of this neighbor, but their relationship is fraught with obstacles, particularly Maud's hostile brother. After a period of courtship, the narrator kills Maud's brother in a duel and is forced to flee the country. While in exile, he learns of Maud's death, which drives him to madness. The poem concludes with the narrator regaining a measure of sanity as he prepares to fight in the Crimean War, suggesting a search for redemption or meaning through action. Themes and Style Love and Obsession: The narrator's love for Maud is intense and all-consuming, bordering on obsession. Madness and Despair: The poem charts the narrator’s psychological decline, using shifting meters and vivid imagery to reflect his unstable mind. Societal Critique: Tennyson critiques Victorian society, highlighting issues of greed, class conflict, and the emptiness of social conventions. Imagery: Nature and garden imagery are prominent, with the famous line "Come into the garden, Maud" symbolizing longing and loss. Reception "Maud" was controversial upon release, criticized for its morbidity and the instability of its narrator, though it contains some of Tennyson’s most lyrical passages. Despite initial criticism, Tennyson considered it his favorite work and often recited it publicly. Key Quotes "Come into the garden, Maud, For the black bat, night, has flown..." Significance "Maud" stands as a complex and innovative Victorian poem, notable for its psychological depth, formal experimentation, and social commentary.