In Memoriam tells not only what Tennyson meant us to know but also what he thought, what he was. Taken together these manifestations of his personal character give us what has been called the "writer's philosophy." Not his scheme of thinking, not his plan for the universe and its workings, but his idea of the world as it should be, tinctured by the world as it is. This philosophy which it is quite possible he never recognized as his own nor meant to present to us as his, has come to him from his inborn peculiarities modified by his education and the experiences through which he has passed. The influences which have molded his character have shaped his philosophy and what he is has expressed itself quite beyond his own will in the words he has written for another purpose. The study of this elusive characteristic of literature is one of the most fascinating forms of criticism and one of the best by which to form keenness of appreciation and correctness of interpretation. The function of this course is to open a way for a deeper study by indicating what may be done, but it must be left to you to push your inquiries deeper and to continue your studies beyond this limited range if you would feel any confidence in the breadth of your inquiries or the justice of your judgment. |