Tithonus

Poetry | Alfred Lord Tennyson
Back to Hub
Contents

The legend of Tithonus serves moral purposes not only for his own people but also for the whole mankind.

Premium

The legend of Tithonus serves moral purposes not only for his own people but also for the whole of mankind. Discuss.

The legend of Tithonus is composed in Alfred Lord Tennyson's (1809-1892) poem "Tithonus" (1860). Tithonus is granted eternal life but not eternal youth. He as a powerful reminder of the dangers. He desires immortality without considering its consequences. Here are key moral lessons from the poem:

The Consequences of Immortality: One of the main lessons from Tithonus's story is the harsh reality of immortality without eternal youth. Tithonus was granted eternal life by the gods, but not eternal youth. As a result, he experiences endless decay and suffering. He laments, 

Me only cruel immortality 

Consumes: I wither slowly in thine arms. 

This illustrates the physical and emotional frustration of living forever without the youth. This highlights that immortality is not a blessing. 

The Value of Natural Life Cycles:

"font-weight: 400;">Tithonus's situation highlights the importance of the natural cycle of life and death. He observes how everything in nature follows a pattern of birth, growth, decay, and death. These suggest that there is a natural order to life that should be respected. However, Tithonus experiences the misery of endless existence. This emphasizes that death is a necessary and natural part of life.

The Value of Mortality: Tithonus's eternal life becomes a curse. He illustrates the value of mortality. He envies those who age and die. He says, 

Release me, and restore me to the ground

His eternal existence becomes a curse. This highlights the idea that mortality gives life its preciousness and significance. 

In "Tithonus," Alfred Lord Tennyson uses the legend to share universal moral lessons about life and death. Tithonus’s eternal suffering serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the life we have and accept its natural limits. 

Continue Reading

Subscribe to access the full content

Upgrade to Premium
From this writer
A
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Literary Writer
More Notes

from Tithonus