Childhood/Early Life
My name is Lord Alfred Tennyson and I was born August 6, 1809. I was born in Somersby Lincolnshire, England. I am the 4th of 12 children. When I was 15 I was writing verse plays. I ran away from home to enter in Cambridge University in 1828. I ran away because my father had panic attacks due to alcohol. While I was at collage my brother publish a book name “Poems By two Brothers.” The poems in the book attracted the attention of Arthur Hallam. I and Hallam became the best of friends. We even toured Europe together. In 1830 I published a poem book simply named Poems.
Influences On Poetry
Their aren't a lot of influences on my poetry. One of the events that influenced me most was the death of my best friend Arthur Hallam in 1933. After his tragic death I wrote In Memoriam and many other poems that are influenced by his death.
Important World Events
War of 1812
Napoleon Defeat at Waterloo 1815
Mexican War 1846
Thomas Edison invented the phonograph and improved the light bulb 1877-79
Brooklyn Bridge Opens 1883
Impact On Literature/Traits of Poetry
My poems have trait that including medieval legends, classical myths, domestic situations, and observations of nature. I also self edit my works extensively. My contemporary Robert Browning called it insane and mental infirmity. I was also told my poetry is the saddest and the stupidest poetry.