Come into the garden, Maud by Tennyson

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About the Author: Alfred, Lord Tennyson

  • Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) was one of the most famous poets of the Victorian era and was appointed Poet Laureate of Great Britain in 1850.

  • His poetry is known for its rich imagery, emotional depth, and musical quality of language.

  • Tennyson often explored themes like love, death, nature, heroism, and personal struggles.

  • Major works include In Memoriam A.H.H., The Charge of the Light Brigade, Ulysses, and Maud.

  • Maud (1855) is a monodrama (a poetic soliloquy) that reveals the emotional journey of a sensitive, unstable narrator, especially his experiences of love, loss, and inner conflict.

2. Detailed Summary: From Maud (Part I)

This passage is a romantic monologue where the speaker passionately calls to Maud, asking her to come into the garden. The night has passed ("black bat, night, has flown"), and it is the early hours of morning when the planet Venus (symbolizing love) is fading in the brightening sky.

The garden is filled with the scents of roses and woodbine, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere. The speaker describes how the flowers and trees have stayed awake all night, eagerly awaiting Maud's arrival. The night was previously filled with music and dancing, but now silence and the fresh breath of morning fill the garden.

The speaker reflects on his longing and possessiveness for Maud, believing that, despite her social engagements with other young men, she truly belongs to him. He feels a deep, almost spiritual connection with her and with nature around them—flowers, trees, and the garden itself seem alive with the anticipation of her presence.

The poet uses intense natural imagery:

  • Roses, lilies, acacia, lake-blossoms are personified to reflect the speaker’s emotional state.

  • The passion-flower weeps, the red and white roses cry, and the larkspur and lily listen and wait.

In the final stanza, the speaker declares that even if he were dead and buried for a century, he would still feel Maud’s presence and respond to her with renewed life and love. This shows the depth of his devotion and the intensity of his passion.

Themes:

  • Love and longing

  • Nature as a symbol of emotion

  • The passage of time (night turning to morning)

  • Life, death, and spiritual resurrection through love

Tone and Style:

  • The tone is romantic, passionate, urgent, and dreamlike.

  • Tennyson uses musical rhythm, repetition, and rich sensory imagery to heighten the emotional effect.

3. MCQs with Answers:

1. What time of day is described at the beginning of the poem?
a) Afternoon
b) Midnight
c) Early Morning
d) Evening
Answer: c) Early Morning

2. Which flower is mentioned as shedding a "splendid tear"?
a) Rose
b) Passion-flower
c) Lily
d) Daffodil
Answer: b) Passion-flower

3. How does the speaker describe Maud in relation to flowers?
a) Queen rose of the garden
b) Queen lily and rose in one
c) The violet of the field
d) The golden daffodil
Answer: b) Queen lily and rose in one

4. What does the speaker claim would happen even if he were dead?
a) He would dream of Maud
b) He would hear her footsteps and his dust would blossom
c) He would forget all earthly love
d) He would sleep peacefully
Answer: b) He would hear her footsteps and his dust would blossom

5. Which planet is referred to as the "planet of Love" in the poem?
a) Mars
b) Jupiter
c) Venus
d) Saturn
Answer: c) Venus

4. Short Answer Type Questions with Answers:

1. What is the main emotional state of the speaker in this poem?
Answer:
The speaker is filled with intense passion, longing, and deep emotional devotion towards Maud, eagerly anticipating her arrival.

2. How does nature reflect the speaker’s feelings?
Answer:
Nature is personified to mirror the speaker’s emotions: flowers, trees, and even the stars are portrayed as staying awake, weeping, or waiting for Maud, just like the speaker.

3. What role does the setting play in the poem?
Answer:
The setting—a fragrant, moonlit, music-filled garden transitioning into dawn—creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere that amplifies the speaker's passionate emotions and longing.

4. What is the significance of the planet Venus in the poem?
Answer:
Venus symbolizes love and beauty. Its fading in the morning sky parallels the speaker's transition from night-long longing to the hopeful anticipation of seeing Maud.

5. How does the speaker express the depth of his love for Maud?
Answer:
The speaker claims that even if he were dead and buried for a century, he would still respond to Maud’s presence, highlighting the eternal and profound nature of his love.

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