Date Approved

2007

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

English (M.A.)

Degree Program

English

Abstract

In Memoriam is a poem expressing the journey of Christian faith Alfred Tennyson experiences after the death of his friend, Arthur Hallam. Although Tennyson is submerged in deep sorrow and confronted with questions and challenges to his spiritual beliefs, he becomes a stronger Christian who is filled with faith in a God of love who will reunite him with his departed friend. A careful reading of the poem in comparison with Biblical texts reveals that Tennyson underwent a spiritual transformation that deepened his belief in Christ and the hope of a life after death where he will enjoy the companionship of Hallam once again. Faced with new scientific discoveries coupled with an intense sense of grief over Hallam’s death, Tennyson does doubt and question his faith; however, the end result of the process yielded a deep level of spiritual maturity founded on a transformation of the heart and soul.

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