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Tennyson, You Love Sick Fool

Tennyson supposedly equated life with "a sea journey over troubles waters, a pilgrimage which demanded fortitude of spirit and steadfast defiance of the laws that seemed to condition man's ineluctable free will. (82)" However, in poems To Marguerite, it seemed that Tennyson resigned himself to being a pitiful victim, much as Sarah has in her decision to bring suffering upon herself. Initially, in To Marguerite, Tennyson believes/implies that you can move yourself in and out of love by sheer will. "Self-sway'd our feelings ebb and swell--/ Though lov'st no more;--Farewell! Farewell! (78)" It seems Tennyson held out hope and perhaps Marguerite or even his emotions could be manipulated, and once again "two human hearts might blend. (79)" He clinged to this hope, even if at that time he made one believe that he felt like loneliness was his end.

To Marguerite: Continued, is a whole other matter. This time it seems that loneliness has set in, and it is inescapable. This is also fortified with the ocean metaphors. However, the idea of free will is abandoned. He is singing an entirely different tune as he wonders "Who order'd, that their longing's fire/Should be, as soon rekindled, cool'd? (80)" Perhaps at one point the unfortunate couple had briefly reconsidered their relationship, but soon they were parted, and "Now round us spreads the watery plain--/ Oh might our marges meet again! (80)" He concludes that it is "A God" that played a hand in these events, and this uncontrollable fate would separate them forever (80).

Though I disagree with Tennyson that we may be able to truly force our minds in love, I seriously doubt even more that outside forces meddle with it. If I were to be strictly biological, (and last week's Daily Texan has equipped me with the understanding that love can be reduced biologically) there are many hormones involved, as well as undying ideas in our head of what a perfect mate should be. I do agree with Tennyson—the loneliness that one suffers after loving and losing is like being estranged by islands. It is a cruel fate, and sometimes you would do anything to get to the other person. However, the watery obstacle that lays in your way may ruin you, as would a realistic pursuit of a burnt out flame.