Alfred the Great or King Alfred (847/849 - 899) is called the “father of English Prose.” He was the king of Wessex...Continue
What is the central theme of this poem “Lullaby”
What is the central theme of this poem, and how is it presented by the poet?
The poem “Lullaby” (1847) by Alfred Tennyson (1809-92) is like a gentle song. It speaks about love, care, and peace. The central theme of the poem is parental love and the wish to protect and comfort a child. Tennyson uses soft, soothing words to create a calm and safe feeling.
In the poem, a mother sings to her baby. She wants the baby to sleep peacefully. The “wind of the western sea” is like a soft breeze that brings calmness. The mother wishes for the father to return safely, using images of silver sails under the moonlight. These images make the poem feel dreamy and peaceful.
The repetition of words like “sleep,” “rest,” and “low” makes the poem sound like a lullaby. The poet’s use of simple and gentle words reflects the love of the mother for her baby. Tennyson also uses nature, like the moon and sea, to show the connection between the baby’s world and the larger universe.
The poem shows the deep bond between parents and children. It celebrates the care and love that keep children safe and happy. Through this lullaby, Tennyson presents love as something soft and constant, like a quiet breeze or the silver light of the moon.
This sweet poem wraps us in a blanket of love, showing us the beauty of a mother’s wish for her child’s peaceful sleep.