'Fatima' by Alfred Lord Tennyson


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O Love, Love, Love! O withering might!
O sun, that from thy noonday height
Shudderest when I strain my sight,
Throbbing thro' all thy heat and light,
Lo, falling from my constant mind,
Lo, parch'd and wither'd, deaf and blind,
I whirl like leaves in roaring wind.

Last night I wasted hateful hours
Below the city's eastern towers:
I thirsted for the brooks, the showers:
I roll'd among the tender flowers:
I crush'd them on my breast, my mouth;
I look'd athwart the burning drouth
Of that long desert to the south.

Last night, when some one spoke his name,
>From my swift blood that went and came
A thousand little shafts of flame
Were shiver'd in my narrow frame.
O Love, O fire! once he drew
With one long kiss my whole soul thro'
My lips, as sunlight drinketh dew.

Before he mounts the hill, I know
He cometh quickly: from below
Sweet gales, as from deep gardens, blow
Before him, striking on my brow.
In my dry brain my spirit soon,
Down-deepening from swoon to swoon,
Faints like a daled morning moon.

The wind sounds like a silver wire,
And from beyond the noon a fire
Is pour'd upon the hills, and nigher
The skies stoop down in their desire;
And, isled in sudden seas of light,
My heart, pierced thro' with fierce delight,
Bursts into blossom in his sight.

My whole soul waiting silently,
All naked in a sultry sky,
Droops blinded with his shining eye:
I will possess him or will die.
I will grow round him in his place,
Grow, live, die looking on his face,
Die, dying clasp'd in his embrace.


Submitted by Venus

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Poem Fatima by Alfred Lord Tennyson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what a beautiful poem is Fatima by Alfred Lord Tennyson! If you have not yet read it, you are missing out on one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time. This epic poem is a treasure trove of symbolism and allegory, with its rich imagery and poignant themes. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various literary devices employed by Tennyson to convey his message and the deeper meaning of the poem.

Overview of the Poem

Fatima is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young Arab girl who falls in love with a warrior from a rival tribe. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes Fatima's journey from innocence to experience and ultimately to death. The first part introduces us to Fatima and her world, the second part tells of her love for the warrior, and the third part depicts her tragic end.

Symbolism and Allegory

One of the most striking features of Fatima is the extensive use of symbolism and allegory. Tennyson uses a wide range of images, such as the desert, the oasis, the palm tree, the rose, the sword, the shield, the star, and the moon to convey his message. These symbols are not merely decorative but are integral to the meaning of the poem.

For example, the desert is a metaphor for life, and the oasis represents the precious moments of joy that punctuate it. The palm tree is a symbol of hope and resilience, while the rose is a symbol of love and beauty. The sword and the shield symbolize the warrior's strength and courage, while the star and the moon represent the light of knowledge and wisdom.

Themes

Fatima is a poem that deals with several themes, including love, death, honor, and the clash of cultures. One of the most dominant themes is the theme of love, which is portrayed as a force that transcends all barriers. Fatima's love for the warrior is portrayed as intense and passionate, but also doomed from the start. The poem suggests that love can be both a source of joy and pain, and that it is often inextricably linked to death.

Another theme is the theme of honor, which is portrayed as a central value in Arab culture. The warrior's code of honor demands that he defend his tribe and his honor at all costs, even if it means sacrificing his own life. The poem suggests that honor can be both noble and tragic, and that it can lead to conflict and violence.

The theme of the clash of cultures is also prominent in the poem. Fatima and the warrior come from different tribes with different customs and beliefs, and their love is seen as a challenge to the established order. The poem suggests that cultural differences can be a source of tension and conflict, but that they can also be transcended through love and understanding.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure of Fatima is another aspect of the poem that deserves attention. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which represents a different stage in Fatima's journey. The first part introduces us to Fatima and her world, setting the stage for the conflict that will arise later. The second part focuses on Fatima's love for the warrior, which is the emotional heart of the poem. The third part depicts Fatima's tragic end, bringing the narrative full circle.

The use of repetition is also noteworthy in the poem. Tennyson repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, such as "the desert," "the oasis," and "the palm tree," creating a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition of the phrase "O love, love" at the end of each stanza reinforces the central theme of love and underscores its power and universality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fatima is a masterpiece of English literature that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry. Tennyson's use of symbolism and allegory, his exploration of themes such as love, death, and honor, and his skillful use of narrative structure and repetition all contribute to the power and beauty of the poem. Fatima is a timeless work of art that speaks to the human condition and the universal experience of love and loss.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Fatima: A Poem of Love and Tragedy

Alfred Lord Tennyson, one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era, is known for his masterful use of language and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, Fatima, is a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and death that has captivated readers for generations.

The poem tells the story of a young Arab girl named Fatima who falls in love with a handsome warrior named Ben Aboo. Despite the objections of her father, Fatima marries Ben Aboo and they live happily together in a small village in the desert. However, their happiness is short-lived as Ben Aboo is called away to fight in a war against a neighboring tribe.

As the days pass, Fatima becomes increasingly anxious about her husband's safety and longs for his return. One day, a messenger arrives with news that Ben Aboo has been killed in battle. Fatima is devastated by the news and falls into a deep depression. She refuses to eat or drink and spends her days weeping and mourning her lost love.

As time passes, Fatima's father becomes worried about her health and decides to take matters into his own hands. He hires a young man named Hassan to court Fatima and hopefully lift her spirits. At first, Fatima is resistant to Hassan's advances, but eventually, she begins to warm up to him and they become close.

However, their happiness is short-lived as Hassan reveals that he was actually the one who killed Ben Aboo in battle. Fatima is horrified by the revelation and rejects Hassan, choosing instead to die of a broken heart. The poem ends with Fatima's father mourning the loss of his daughter and the tragedy that has befallen their family.

The poem is a powerful exploration of the themes of love, betrayal, and death. Tennyson's use of language is masterful, with vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and the emotions of the characters. The poem is also notable for its use of Arabic words and phrases, which add to the authenticity of the setting and the characters.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the character of Fatima herself. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to follow her heart, even in the face of opposition from her father and society. Her love for Ben Aboo is pure and true, and her grief at his loss is palpable.

However, Fatima's strength is also her downfall. Her refusal to accept Hassan's advances and her rejection of him after learning the truth about Ben Aboo's death ultimately lead to her own death. Tennyson seems to be suggesting that sometimes, even the strongest of us can be brought down by our own emotions and the actions of others.

The character of Hassan is also complex and multi-dimensional. At first, he seems like a kind and caring young man who genuinely wants to help Fatima. However, his true nature is revealed when he confesses to killing Ben Aboo. Tennyson seems to be suggesting that even those who seem the most trustworthy can have hidden motives and secrets.

The poem also explores the theme of cultural differences and the clash between tradition and modernity. Fatima's father represents the traditional Arab culture, with its strict gender roles and emphasis on family honor. Fatima, on the other hand, represents a more modern and progressive view of women's rights and the freedom to choose one's own path in life.

Overall, Fatima is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the tragedy of lost love. Tennyson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the characters are richly drawn and multi-dimensional. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to move us to tears and to action.

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