Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King

Definition

Idylls of the King is a narrative poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson that retells the legends of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. This work is significant because it reinterprets and modernizes the Arthurian tales originally presented in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, making them more relatable to Victorian readers while also exploring themes such as heroism, love, and morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tennyson wrote Idylls of the King in a series of twelve poems published between 1859 and 1885, aiming to present a cohesive narrative about Arthurian legend.
2. The poem reflects Victorian values, emphasizing ideals such as duty, honor, and the role of women, particularly through characters like Guinevere and Elaine.
3. Idylls of the King diverges from Malory’s version by focusing more on psychological complexity and moral dilemmas faced by characters rather than just action and adventure.
4. Tennyson's portrayal of Arthur as a tragic hero struggling with fate influenced later interpretations of the Arthurian mythos in literature and other media.
5. The work was immensely popular during Tennyson's time and contributed significantly to the revival of interest in Arthurian legends in modern literature.

Review Questions

• How does Tennyson's portrayal of King Arthur in Idylls of the King compare to Malory's depiction in Le Morte d'Arthur?
  • Tennyson's portrayal of King Arthur emphasizes his tragic heroism, highlighting his internal struggles and moral dilemmas, which contrasts with Malory's more straightforward narrative focused on chivalric ideals. Tennyson delves into the psychological aspects of Arthur's character, showing him grappling with issues like betrayal and the consequences of his idealism. This shift provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of leadership and morality in a way that resonates with Victorian readers.
• Analyze how Idylls of the King reflects Victorian societal values through its characters and themes.
  • Idylls of the King embodies Victorian societal values by exploring themes such as duty, honor, and morality through its characters. For example, Guinevere's character highlights the struggles women faced regarding societal expectations and personal desires. The moral conflicts experienced by characters like Lancelot and Arthur showcase the tension between personal desires and social responsibilities, reflecting the Victorian preoccupation with morality and proper conduct.
• Evaluate the impact of Idylls of the King on later literature and how it reshaped perceptions of the Arthurian legend.
  • Idylls of the King significantly impacted later literature by reshaping perceptions of the Arthurian legend through Tennyson’s modern interpretations. His focus on psychological depth and moral complexity influenced future writers to explore similar themes within the Arthurian context. The romanticized yet tragic portrayal of characters has persisted in adaptations across various media, ensuring that Tennyson’s vision remains a foundational part of how audiences engage with Arthurian stories today.

Related terms

Arthurian Legend: A body of stories and medieval romances centering on the legendary figure of King Arthur, his knights, and their quests.

Victorian Literature: The body of literary works produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), characterized by its focus on social issues and moral themes.

Le Morte d'Arthur:

A 15th-century work by Sir Thomas Malory that compiles the tales of King Arthur, his knights, and the quest for the Holy Grail.