How Does Tennyson Tell The Story In Godiva
What methods does Tennyson use to tell the story in Godiva?
Tennyson begins with a short prologue in first person narrative which separates itself from the rest of the poem. ‘I waited for a train at Coventry.’ It’s set to be in Tennyson’s own voice and is suggesting to the reader that he’s getting his inspiration there and then; it adds a personal touch to the poem. Tennyson’s set it to suggest and give a medieval feel to the story because it’s in the past. Tennyson’s represented himself to hang around with those of lower class ‘grooms and porters’ it allows us to link it to lady Godiva as she helps and is willing to be with others of lower class than her. The rest of the poem is then written in third person, and allows the reader to form
their opinion. It’s not from Tennyson’s perspective so it adds a more story like feeling to the poem and shows he’s adapted it.
Tennyson use lots of imagery such as similes, ‘as winds from all the compass shift and blow’. This to the reader shows that Godiva’s is admired for compassion and that her decision to rid through the town naked was a hard decision. She’s motivated and has the respect for herself but cares more for others, she like Tennyson hangs with those of lower class and therefore you are able to make the comparison that both are genuine people. They have much sympathy and love for others. Tennyson uses the theme of feminity and that Godiva is a strong female who can’t be controlled or stopped. She proves the earl has no grip or control over her. She questions feminity and presents herself to hold some kind of power and to be strong minded.
Tennyson begins with a short prologue in first person narrative which separates itself from the rest of the poem. ‘I waited for a train at Coventry.’ It’s set to be in Tennyson’s own voice and is suggesting to the reader that he’s getting his inspiration there and then; it adds a personal touch to the poem. Tennyson’s set it to suggest and give a medieval feel to the story because it’s in the past. Tennyson’s represented himself to hang around with those of lower class ‘grooms and porters’ it allows us to link it to lady Godiva as she helps and is willing to be with others of lower class than her. The rest of the poem is then written in third person, and allows the reader to form
their opinion. It’s not from Tennyson’s perspective so it adds a more story like feeling to the poem and shows he’s adapted it.
Tennyson use lots of imagery such as similes, ‘as winds from all the compass shift and blow’. This to the reader shows that Godiva’s is admired for compassion and that her decision to rid through the town naked was a hard decision. She’s motivated and has the respect for herself but cares more for others, she like Tennyson hangs with those of lower class and therefore you are able to make the comparison that both are genuine people. They have much sympathy and love for others. Tennyson uses the theme of feminity and that Godiva is a strong female who can’t be controlled or stopped. She proves the earl has no grip or control over her. She questions feminity and presents herself to hold some kind of power and to be strong minded.