From Ambiguity To Reconciliation

The relationship between science and religion has always been a complex topic with historical significance and social value.The collision and development of these two social and cultural elements have been prominent in the British Victorian period.The new scientific discoveries,especially Darwin's theory of evolution about the origin of human beings,completely shook the ideological foundation of the Western world.Alfred,Lord Tennyson(1809-1892)is one of the most outstanding poets of the Victorian era,whose poetry and personal reflection on religious beliefs undoubtedly have important research value.The focus of this thesis is on how Tennyson's religious thoughts underwent subtle and profound changes in an era when the social thoughts changed a lot.Besides,Tennyson's influence as both a poet and religious teacher is also discussed.Based on the previous studies,this thesis takes a closer examination of both the social background and Tennyson's poetry in different period by way of a comprehensive analysis of and inductive research.The study concludes that Tennyson's religious thought experiences three stages,ambiguity in his early days,disillusion in the middle period and reconciliation in his late years.Tennyson believes that poets should not be isolated from the society,but assumes certain public responsibilities.When the Victorians generally suspected the traditional doctrine of “God was love”,Tennyson stated in his poetry that persistence in morality and love would be the best way to follow God.Born in a Christian family,Tennyson on the one hand dreamed of the magnificence of the unknown divine world in his early years.On the other hand,he also cautiously expressed his religious uncertainty.In his middle age,with the increasing coming of new ideas and new scientific discoveries,especially Darwin's theory of evolution,together with his close friend's death and other life incidentals,Tennyson began to doubt and even felt disillusioned of the belief in God,which was best expressed in an elegy of In Memoriam written to his best friend.While in his late years,Tennyson expressed a rather tolerant religious view in his Idylls of the King.Tennyson thought more profoundly about the meaning of existence,the possibility of God and social morality and strongly held that the value of man is not in the flesh but in the spirit.Tennyson is influenced by the Broad Church Movement that advocates religious tolerance and freedom and at the same time,he acknowledged the status of the Anglican Church as a poet laureate.Thus,he came to a state of reconciliation.Tennyson believes that a poet possesses the characteristics of a prophet.But he does not mean that the poet needs to predict future,but that the poet should best use his keen insight to discover the subtle changes in society and share his personal findings and feelings with readers.Tennyson believes in the practical value of religion and thus he emphasizes morality and love in poetry to lead his readers to goodness.Tennyson fulfills his social value and responsibility as a poet and religious teacher by binging most Victorians a new perspective to digest and adjust in a time of faith crisis.Based on the preceding understanding and interpretation,This thesis demonstrates that Tennyson,through his work,realized his social value as a poet and a religious teacher.Besides introduction and conclusion,this paper consists of four main parts.The first chapter gives a full review of the previous studies on Tennyson and his poetry both at home and abroad.The second chapter examines closely the social background of the interweaving of religion and science in Victorian era.The third chapter is devoted to a careful study and analysis of Tennyson's religious thought.The development and presentation in different stages are the focus.Chapter Four discusses further about Tennyson's social obligation and influence as a poet.