Tithonus : Themes
Tithonus is a notable literary work by Alfred Lord Tennyson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Tithonus.
Themes
Death is Natural: In the poem “Tithonus,” we hear a sad story. Tithonus loved a goddess named Eos (Aurora), the goddess of dawn. She loved him too and made him live forever. But she forgot to give him eternal youth. So, Eos stayed young, but Tithonus grew old. Now he is very, very old. He is like a shadow. Living forever is painful for him. His body is old, but Eos is still young and beautiful. He wants to die, but he cannot. Because he will live forever. Now he understands—death is not bad. Death is natural and kind. People are lucky. They can grow old and die. Tithonus wishes he could be like them. He wants peace. The poem teaches us: human life has limits. We should accept those limits. Life becomes peaceful that way. If we cross the limits, it brings sorrow.
Old Age and Death: Tithonus lives forever, but keeps growing old. He cannot die like other people. He becomes very weak and broken. He cannot enjoy life anymore. He sees that death is not bad. It is natural and peaceful. Tithonus wants to die and rest forever.
Pride and Mistake: Long ago, Tithonus was proud. He thought he was special. So, he asked for immortality. But he made a big mistake. He forgot to ask for eternal youth. Now he lives forever, but grows old. The poem shows we must accept human life. We should not try to go beyond nature.
Pain of Memory and Loss: Tithonus remembers the past with sadness. He was young and full of joy once. He loved Eos and felt alive. Now she is still young, but he is not. Her beauty makes him feel worse. He feels trapped in old memories. He wants to forget and find peace.