Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “A Farewell” beautifully describes the fact that death is something which will come to everyone, be it rich or poor. No one on earth can escape death. We all feel that after we die people will be sad and mourn. Yes it is true that the people we love will be disheartened but their life will be the usual and the nature will also remain the same.
Nature continues the way as though it was unaffected by our death. Rivulet for example at last merges into the river, becomes one with the river, similarly death which is a natural process makes us one with God. The line “Thy tribute wave delivers” reminds of a funeral which is carried out after the death of a person. The poem is expressed in a negative and depressing tone and expresses the fact that the moment an individual dies even his or her family is no longer interested in keeping the body with them.
Lord Tennyson’s poem has a deep meaning because it explains the timidity of our existence. It explains that however much we conquer, at the end of the day, at last we have to succumb to the nature, and we have to become one with the nature. Becoming one with the nature is the only means by which peace and satisfaction is achieved. The poem is an eye opener for people who do not care about anyone’s right or wrong as they are too much occupied with their self –interests. If these people understand the fact that death is inevitable and they cannot take away what they accumulate in their short span of 60-70 years the world actually would be a better place to live in. We all accept the fact that there was a world before us; similarly we should also accept the fact that there is also a life after death.
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Since nature has given so much to us, we should also do our part by making this world a better place to live in till the moment we are alive. We will be remembered by the generations to come if we perform good deeds. The poem is often misunderstood as being negative, yes it is a sad poem but it states the truth of life; in fact the most important truth and part of life; death which is inseparable from any living being. Before death arrives, it is essential that we perform all the good deeds which is the duty of every human being.
You can picture the beautiful scenery when you read it thoroughly. The picture of a beautiful river surrounded by trees and the beautiful sunlight glazing through the trees is visible as soon as you take a glance of a few lines. Though you know that the river has to come to an end but you still enjoy the ride, in a similar manner enjoy life despite not being sure of the fact that whether or not you will survive tomorrow. This poem actually poses the universal truth about death and informs one and all to remain grounded because the end is the same for all- death.