Mariana Poem Analysis
The Weight of Loneliness: Analyzing Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Mariana"Introduction
"Mariana" is a poem written by the esteemed Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, first published in 1830. The poem, inspired by a character from William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure," explores themes of isolation, despair, and the passage of time. Tennyson creates a vivid, melancholic atmosphere through detailed descriptions of Mariana's surroundings and her emotional state. In this article, we will examine the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of Tennyson's work.
Themes
Isolation and Despair: The central theme of "Mariana" is the profound sense of isolation and despair experienced by the protagonist. Mariana's longing for her absent lover and her inability to escape her desolate surroundings underscore the emotional turmoil and loneliness she endures.
The Passage of Time: Tennyson's poem also delves into the theme of the passage of time, depicting Mariana's seemingly endless wait for her lover's return. The repetitive nature of the poem and the slow progression of time contribute to the sense of stagnation and despair that pervades Mariana's existence.
The Connection Between Environment and Emotion: "Mariana" highlights the interplay between an individual's emotional state and their environment. The desolate landscape and decaying structures that surround Mariana serve to amplify her feelings of loneliness and despair.
Structure
"Mariana" is composed of seven stanzas, each containing twelve lines. The poem features a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCDDEDEFE, which lends a sense of order and continuity to the verse. The structure of the poem, with its repetitive refrains, mirrors Mariana's monotonous and stagnant existence, reinforcing the poem's themes of isolation and despair.
Literary Devices
Imagery: Tennyson employs vivid and evocative imagery to create a detailed portrait of Mariana's surroundings and emotional state. The poem's descriptions of the desolate landscape, the decaying structures, and the oppressive darkness serve to heighten the sense of isolation and despair that pervades Mariana's existence.
Symbolism: The poem is replete with symbols that reinforce its themes of isolation, despair, and the passage of time. The crumbling grange, the stagnant moat, and the lifeless poplar tree all serve as symbols of Mariana's emotional state and her seemingly hopeless situation.
Refrain: Tennyson utilizes a refrain, "She only said, 'My life is dreary, / He cometh not,' she said; / She said, 'I am aweary, aweary, / I would that I were dead!'", repeated at the end of each stanza, to emphasize Mariana's despair and the unchanging nature of her circumstances. This repetition also contributes to the poem's melancholic atmosphere and the sense of Mariana's entrapment within her own emotions.
Conclusion
Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Mariana" is a poignant exploration of isolation, despair, and the passage of time. Through detailed imagery, symbolic elements, and a repetitive structure, the poem captures the emotional turmoil experienced by Mariana as she waits in vain for her lover's return. "Mariana" serves as a powerful reminder of the interplay between an individual's emotional state and their environment, as well as the heavy burden that loneliness and despair can impose upon the human spirit.