Short note on In Memoriam, Pamela and Dramatic Monologue
In Memoriam:
Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “In Memoriam” (1849) is a reflective elegy composed over 17 years following the death of his friend Arthur Henry Hallam. This long poem engages with themes of grief, doubt, and faith, mirroring Tennyson’s personal struggles and the broader societal uncertainties of the Victorian era. Structured as a series of interconnected lyrics, “In Memoriam” explores the trajectory of grief, ultimately resolving in a hopeful acceptance of loss and a renewed faith in the divine order.
Pamela:
Published in 1740 by Samuel Richardson, “Pamela” is an influential novel often considered a precursor to the Victorian novel. The story revolves around the virtuous maid Pamela Andrews and her resistance to the advances of her employer. Richardson’s novel explores themes of class, morality, and the evolving role of women. “Pamela” contributed to the development of the epistolary novel form and engaged with contemporary debates on social dynamics and gender relations.
Dramatic Monologue:
A prominent form in Victorian poetry, the dramatic monologue involves a speaker addressing an implied or silent audience, offering insights into the speaker’s thoughts and emotions. Notable examples include Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” and Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses.” The dramatic monologue allowed poets to delve into complex character studies, psychological nuances, and societal critiques. It became a powerful vehicle for exploring the inner lives of characters and providing a platform for moral and social commentary in the Victorian age.
