“Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

“Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson first appeared in 1889, included in the Demeter and Other Poems collection. This short but profound poem is often interpreted as Tennyson’s meditation on death and the afterlife, presenting the crossing of a sandbar as a metaphor for passing from life to the unknown beyond. Through simple yet poignant imagery, Tennyson speaks of the inevitability of death with a tone of acceptance and calmness, expressing hope for a peaceful transition guided by divine presence, represented as the “Pilot.” The poem’s enduring popularity lies in its universal themes of mortality, faith, and the desire for a serene end, offering comfort to readers facing loss. Its rhythmic simplicity, coupled with the depth of emotion, has made “Crossing the Bar” a beloved work, often recited at funerals and memorials.

Text: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Annotations: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Line	Annotation	Poetic Devices
“Sunset and evening star,”	The imagery of “sunset” and “evening star” symbolizes the end of life, representing the close of a day, a common metaphor for the end of a life.	Symbolism, Imagery
“And one clear call for me!”	“One clear call” represents a final call or invitation, perhaps from the afterlife or from God. The clarity of the call suggests peace and readiness.	Metaphor, Alliteration (c sound)
“And may there be no moaning of the bar,”	Tennyson hopes there will be no sorrow or mourning as he “crosses the bar,” the sandbar symbolizing the boundary between life and death.	Metaphor, Alliteration (m sound)
“When I put out to sea,”	“Putting out to sea” signifies embarking on the journey into death, moving from the shore (life) to the vast, unknown ocean (death).	Metaphor
“But such a tide as moving seems asleep,”	He wishes for a gentle and calm departure, like a tide that appears to be “asleep,” emphasizing a peaceful transition.	Simile, Personification
“Too full for sound and foam,”	The tide is “too full” to create sound or foam, suggesting a powerful yet silent transition, further emphasizing peace and calm.	Imagery, Symbolism
“When that which drew from out the boundless deep”	Tennyson refers to a force or spirit (“that which drew”) emerging from the “boundless deep” (life or creation) and returning home (death or the afterlife).	Metaphor, Symbolism
“Turns again home.”	This line completes the metaphor of returning to one’s origin or afterlife, suggesting the spirit’s cyclical journey.	Symbolism, Metaphor
“Twilight and evening bell,”	The “twilight” and “evening bell” signify the final moments before darkness, representing the onset of death. The bell often signifies the end of a ritual or life.	Symbolism, Imagery
“And after that the dark!”	The “dark” symbolizes death or the unknown afterlife, bringing a sense of finality and mystery.	Symbolism
“And may there be no sadness of farewell,”	Tennyson expresses a desire for no sorrowful goodbyes, hoping to pass without pain or grief.	Alliteration (s sound), Imagery
“When I embark;”	“Embark” is used as a metaphor for beginning the journey into death, reinforcing the nautical theme.	Metaphor
“For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place”	“Bourne” refers to the limits or boundaries of human life, such as time and space. The speaker anticipates transcending these limits through death.	Metaphor, Symbolism
“The flood may bear me far,”	The flood represents the force carrying him into the afterlife, hinting at something vast and uncontrollable yet natural.	Personification, Imagery
“I hope to see my Pilot face to face”	The “Pilot” symbolizes God or a divine guide whom Tennyson hopes to meet directly in the afterlife, expressing a faith in a guiding presence.	Metaphor, Symbolism
“When I have crost the bar.”	“Crossing the bar” is the metaphor for passing through death into the next life, completing the poem’s journey motif.	Metaphor, Symbolism

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Device	Example	Explanation
Ambiguity	“When I have crost the bar”	The meaning of “crossing the bar” is ambiguous, symbolizing both the physical sea bar and the metaphorical passage into death.
Anaphora	“And may there be no…”	The repetition of “And may there be no” in successive lines emphasizes Tennyson’s wishes for a peaceful end.
Assonance	“seems asleep”	The long “e” sound in “seems asleep” creates a soft, lulling sound, enhancing the calmness of the imagery.
Connotation	“dark”	The word “dark” has connotations of the unknown or death, adding depth to its symbolic meaning.
Enjambment	“And may there be no moaning of the bar, / When I put out to sea,”	The line flows into the next without punctuation, creating a sense of continuity, echoing the natural flow of the tide.
Imagery	“Sunset and evening star”	Tennyson uses visual imagery to evoke the end of the day, symbolizing the end of life.
Inversion	“Too full for sound and foam”	The unusual order of words creates emphasis on “too full,” highlighting the completeness of the calm.
Irony	“And may there be no sadness of farewell”	It is ironic to hope for no sadness at farewell when death often brings sorrow, showing the speaker’s unique acceptance of mortality.
Metaphor	“crossing the bar”	“Crossing the bar” serves as a metaphor for dying, where the bar is the boundary between life and death.
Mood	Entire poem	The mood is serene and contemplative, as Tennyson reflects peacefully on the concept of death.
Paradox	“moving seems asleep”	Movement and sleep are opposites; here, Tennyson captures a tide that moves so gently it appears still, suggesting a peaceful transition.
Personification	“The flood may bear me far”	The “flood” is given the human ability to “bear” or carry, emphasizing the journey into the unknown.
Refrain	“And may there be no…”	The repetition of “And may there be no” functions like a refrain, reinforcing the speaker’s wishes for peace.
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB	The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, giving it a lyrical, rhythmic quality, mirroring the ebb and flow of a tide.
Simile	“as moving seems asleep”	Tennyson compares the calm tide to sleep, emphasizing peace and calmness.
Symbolism	“Pilot”	The “Pilot” symbolizes God or a guiding force that Tennyson hopes to meet in the afterlife.
Syntax	“When that which drew from out the boundless deep / Turns again home”	The complex syntax suggests the cyclical nature of life, drawing attention to the profound meaning of returning “home.”
Tone	Entire poem	The tone is calm and accepting, with Tennyson reflecting peacefully on death rather than fearing it.
Visual Imagery	“Twilight and evening bell”	Tennyson evokes the image of twilight, signaling the end of the day, which reflects the end of life, creating a peaceful visual scene for the reader.

Themes: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

1. Acceptance of Death: One of the central themes in “Crossing the Bar” is the acceptance of death as a natural part of life. Tennyson expresses a calm, almost serene readiness to depart from the world, as seen in lines like, “And may there be no moaning of the bar, / When I put out to sea.” Here, he wishes for a peaceful passing, free from sorrow or disturbance. This acceptance is further illustrated in his description of death as a journey, signifying a transition rather than an end. His desire for “no sadness of farewell” underscores his resignation to, and acceptance of, his eventual death.
2. The Afterlife and the Journey Beyond: Tennyson presents death as a journey from life to the unknown afterlife, using maritime imagery to symbolize this transition. “Crossing the bar” serves as a metaphor for crossing the boundary between life and death, with phrases like “When I put out to sea” reinforcing this theme. The journey through the “boundless deep” implies an unknown but inevitable voyage that ends with hope for reunion with a divine guide, which is highlighted in the line, “I hope to see my Pilot face to face.” The poem thus reflects a belief in a higher purpose and the possibility of an afterlife.
3. Divine Guidance and Faith: Faith is another important theme, symbolized by the “Pilot” whom Tennyson hopes to meet “face to face” after he crosses the bar. The Pilot, often interpreted as a representation of God, embodies Tennyson’s trust in a guiding force that will lead him through life and death. This divine presence reassures him of a safe journey, giving him the courage to face mortality with composure. By placing faith in the Pilot, Tennyson expresses a deep-rooted belief in spiritual guidance and the hope that he will not be alone in his final journey.
4. The Cyclical Nature of Life and Return to Origins: Tennyson suggests a cyclical view of life, where death is portrayed as a return to one’s origins. Phrases like “When that which drew from out the boundless deep / Turns again home” reflect the idea of returning to the place one came from. This theme presents death not as an ending but as a natural return, a homecoming that is both peaceful and necessary. The mention of the “boundless deep” from which life once emerged emphasizes life’s continuity and the inevitability of returning to where one began, reinforcing a sense of completion and fulfillment.

Literary Theories and “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Formalism	Formalism focuses on the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices rather than the author’s intentions or historical context. Analyzing Tennyson’s use of rhyme, rhythm, and imagery highlights how he conveys a contemplative acceptance of death.	The ABAB rhyme scheme and nautical imagery in lines like “Sunset and evening star” and “When I put out to sea” enhance the poem’s serene tone, reflecting a structured, rhythmic meditation on mortality.
Religious/Spiritual Criticism	This approach examines the religious and spiritual elements within the poem, interpreting it as an expression of faith and divine reassurance in the face of death. Tennyson’s mention of the “Pilot” is often seen as a metaphor for God, suggesting a hopeful, spiritual journey beyond life.	Lines like “I hope to see my Pilot face to face” emphasize a desire for divine presence and guidance, while the “boundless deep” suggests the vast, unknowable nature of the afterlife.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader-Response Theory focuses on how individual readers interpret the poem based on their experiences and emotions. Readers may find personal significance in Tennyson’s calm approach to death, applying their perspectives to his imagery and tone.	The lines “And may there be no sadness of farewell” and “And may there be no moaning of the bar” resonate differently for readers based on personal views of mortality, creating a unique interpretive experience for each.

Critical Questions about “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

• How does Tennyson use imagery to convey the theme of mortality in the poem?
• Tennyson employs rich, natural imagery to evoke the theme of mortality, drawing on the serene beauty of a sunset and the sea to suggest the inevitability of death. The opening line, “Sunset and evening star,” immediately places readers in the twilight hours, often symbolic of the end of life. By using the imagery of a calm sea voyage with phrases like “When I put out to sea,” Tennyson suggests a peaceful departure from life rather than a painful or fearful one. This gentle imagery mirrors his acceptance of death, portraying it as a natural progression rather than a tragic event. Furthermore, the quietness in “may there be no moaning of the bar” underscores his desire for a calm, unobtrusive passage, reflecting a resigned and dignified approach to mortality.
• What role does the “Pilot” play in the poem, and how does this figure contribute to the poem’s overall tone?
• The “Pilot” in “Crossing the Bar” represents a guiding spiritual force, often interpreted as God or a divine presence, and serves as a source of comfort for Tennyson as he faces the unknown. In the final line, “I hope to see my Pilot face to face,” Tennyson expresses a desire for an encounter with this figure in the afterlife, suggesting a sense of faith and trust. The “Pilot” transforms the poem’s tone from one of mere resignation to one of hopeful anticipation. By positioning this divine figure as a guiding presence, Tennyson’s tone conveys peace rather than anxiety about death, portraying the transition as a journey guided by a familiar, comforting presence, which can be reassuring for readers who share his spiritual beliefs.
• How does the structure of the poem reflect Tennyson’s views on the afterlife?
• The poem’s structure, with its consistent ABAB rhyme scheme and flowing rhythm, mirrors Tennyson’s calm and orderly view of the transition from life to death. The steady pace of the poem resembles the rhythm of the tide, gently moving in and out, as in “But such a tide as moving seems asleep.” This gentle rhythm reinforces the idea of death as a natural, undisturbed process. The uniform stanza lengths and rhyme pattern create a sense of completeness and closure, aligning with Tennyson’s belief in a serene continuation after death. This structure, combined with the contemplative and balanced language, underscores his view that death is not chaotic or frightening but rather a continuation of life’s natural flow.
• What is the significance of Tennyson’s choice to avoid expressions of grief or sadness in the poem?
• Tennyson’s decision to avoid overt expressions of grief or sadness in “Crossing the Bar” is significant, as it underscores his desire for a peaceful departure from life. His repeated wish that “there be no sadness of farewell” and “no moaning of the bar” reflects a strong preference for quiet acceptance over sorrow. This approach reinforces the poem’s calm and reflective tone, suggesting that Tennyson views death not as a loss to be mourned but as a dignified transition. By eschewing grief, he creates a comforting message for readers, encouraging them to view death with a sense of tranquility. This choice aligns with the theme of acceptance and reflects his belief in the possibility of an afterlife where sorrow is absent.

Literary Works Similar to “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

1. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: This poem, like “Crossing the Bar,” addresses death, though it contrasts with Tennyson’s calm acceptance by urging resistance against the end of life.
2. “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson: Dickinson’s poem personifies death as a gentle journey, akin to Tennyson’s peaceful “crossing,” exploring mortality with a calm, reflective tone.
3. “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant: Bryant’s meditation on death encourages readers to embrace mortality as a natural process, similar to Tennyson’s view of death as a return home.
4. “Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne: Donne’s poem defies death’s power, portraying it as a transition rather than an end, reflecting a similar confidence and acceptance as in “Crossing the Bar.”
5. “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy“The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy: Analysis: Hardy’s poem contemplates the end of an era and the uncertainties of the future, resonating with Tennyson’s reflection on mortality and the unknown beyond.

Representative Quotations of “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Sunset and evening star”	The opening line uses natural imagery to symbolize the end of life and the beginning of death.	Symbolism: The imagery of sunset and evening symbolizes the approach of death, framing mortality as part of nature.
“And one clear call for me!”	Suggests a final, divine call signaling the end of life.	Religious Criticism: This line indicates a spiritual calling, possibly from God, inviting the speaker to the afterlife.
“And may there be no moaning of the bar”	The speaker hopes for a peaceful passing, without sorrow or mourning.	Reader-Response Theory: Readers interpret this line according to their personal feelings about death and tranquility.
“When I put out to sea”	A metaphor for embarking on the journey into the unknown of death.	Metaphorical Analysis: Death is portrayed as a voyage, with the sea representing the vast unknown beyond life.
“But such a tide as moving seems asleep”	Imagery of a calm tide, reflecting the speaker’s desire for a peaceful end.	Formalism: The quiet, serene imagery enhances the poem’s tone of acceptance, creating a calm mood.
“When that which drew from out the boundless deep”	Refers to a force that brought life, now returning to its origin.	Existentialism: Suggests a cyclical view of existence, where life and death are interconnected.
“Twilight and evening bell”	Evening symbols again imply the close of life, preparing for the “dark” (death).	Symbolism: Twilight and bells signify transitions, symbolizing the movement from life into the afterlife.
“And after that the dark!”	Refers to the darkness of death, creating a sense of mystery.	Psychological Criticism: “The dark” evokes the fear and mystery often associated with death.
“I hope to see my Pilot face to face”	Expresses a desire to meet God (Pilot) directly in the afterlife.	Spiritual Criticism: Shows the speaker’s faith in meeting a guiding force in the afterlife, representing divine reunion.
“When I have crost the bar.”	The final line completes the metaphor of “crossing the bar” as a transition into death.	Structuralism: The bar symbolizes the boundary between life and death, central to the structure and meaning of the poem.

Suggested Readings: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

1. WALLACE, R. W. “TENNYSON.” The Journal of Education, vol. 70, no. 6 (1741), 1909, pp. 143–44. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42812092. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
2. Millhauser, Milton. “Structure and Symbol in ‘Crossing the Bar.'” Victorian Poetry, vol. 4, no. 1, 1966, pp. 34–39. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40001331. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
3. Alfred, Tennyson, and C. H. H. Parry. “Extra Supplement: Crossing the Bar.” The Musical Times, vol. 45, no. 742, 1904, pp. 1–4. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/904767. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
4. Spedding, John. “CROSSING THE BAR: WHAT BAR?” Tennyson Research Bulletin, vol. 10, no. 2, 2013, pp. 175–80. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/45288096. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
5. Perrine, Laurence. “When Does Hope Mean Doubt?: The Tone of ‘Crossing the Bar.'” Victorian Poetry, vol. 4, no. 2, 1966, pp. 127–31. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40001176. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
6. Pettigrew, John. “Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’: A Reconciliation of Opposites.” Victorian Poetry, vol. 1, no. 1, 1963, pp. 27–45. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40001229. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.