Introduction: “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
“Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson first appeared in 1850 as part of his elegiac collection In Memoriam A.H.H., written in memory of his close friend Arthur Hallam. The poem has gained enduring popularity, especially in school textbooks, for its lyrical form, moral clarity, and hopeful vision of societal renewal. Through a series of imperative calls to “ring out” the old and flawed and “ring in” the new and noble, Tennyson captures the essence of transformation and human progress. The poem urges readers to let go of grief (“Ring out the grief that saps the mind”), injustice (“Ring out the feud of rich and poor”), and corruption (“Ring out false pride in place and blood”), while embracing truth, peace, and spiritual awakening (“Ring in the love of truth and right”, “Ring in the Christ that is to be”). Its use of repetitive structure and rhythmic elegance makes it both memorable and powerful, ideal for recitation and moral reflection. As a textbook poem, it continues to resonate with readers for its blend of personal mourning and universal hope.
Text: “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Annotations of “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
| Stanza | Simple Annotation (in Easy English) | Literary Devices in the Stanza |
| 1 | The speaker calls the bells to ring loudly into the cold winter sky as the old year comes to an end and dies. | Personification, Alliteration (“wild bells,” “frosty light”), Symbolism (the year = life cycle), Repetition |
| 2 | The poet urges the bells to welcome the new year and truth, and let go of the past and falsehood. | Juxtaposition (“false” vs. “true”), Repetition, Symbolism (old/new = moral contrast), Imperative mood |
| 3 | Calls for letting go of sorrow and division between classes, and to bring justice and healing to everyone. | Parallelism, Antithesis (“feud of rich and poor” vs. “redress”), Social commentary, Euphemism (“grief that saps the mind”) |
| 4 | Urges the end of outdated political divisions and the beginning of a more noble and peaceful society. | Anaphora (repetition of “Ring out… Ring in”), Contrast, Symbolism (“sweeter manners,” “purer laws”) |
| 5 | The poet asks to leave behind human suffering, coldness, and his own sad poetry, and instead embrace a better, stronger poetic voice. | Metaphor (“mournful rhymes”), Self-reflection, Symbolism, Repetition, Internal contrast |
| 6 | Encourages rejection of arrogance, lies, and hatred in society, and promotes truth, love, and goodness among all people. | Antithesis, Alliteration (“place and pride,” “slander and spite”), Moral tone, Imperative |
| 7 | Asks for an end to disease, greed, and war, and a new era of health, kindness, and peace. | Hyperbole (“thousand years of peace”), Imagery, Repetition, Utopian vision |
| 8 | The poet envisions a future with brave and generous people, light and hope replacing darkness, and spiritual rebirth with Christ. | Symbolism (“Christ that is to be,” “darkness of the land”), Religious imagery, Hopeful tone, Allusion (to Christ) |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
| Device | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
| Allusion | “Ring in the Christ that is to be” | References Christian belief and the hope of a future spiritual savior or moral rebirth. |
| Anaphora | “Ring out…” / “Ring in…” | Repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines strengthens the poem’s call for change. |
| Antithesis | “Ring out the false, ring in the true” | Contrasts opposing ideas to highlight moral and ethical reform. |
| Apostrophe | “Ring out, wild bells” | Directly addresses the bells as if they are capable of action and emotion. |
| Assonance | “The year is dying in the night” | Repetition of the long “i” sound creates a somber, echoing tone. |
| Caesura | “The flying cloud, the frosty light:” | A natural pause in the line creates a reflective break in rhythm. |
| Contrast | “Ring out the darkness of the land, / Ring in the Christ that is to be” | Sharp opposition between darkness and divine light emphasizes transformation. |
| Enjambment | “Ring out the feud of rich and poor, / Ring in redress to all mankind.” | Line flows into the next without punctuation, creating continuity of thought. |
| Epiphora | “Ring… let him die” | Repetition at the end of a clause for emotional emphasis on closure. |
| Hyperbole | “Ring out the thousand wars of old” | Exaggerates the quantity of wars to underline the longing for peace. |
| Imagery | “The flying cloud, the frosty light” | Visual elements bring the wintry New Year’s scene vividly to life. |
| Imperative Mood | “Ring out…” / “Ring in…” | Commands create urgency and engage the reader in moral renewal. |
| Metaphor | “The year is dying in the night” | Compares the old year to a dying person, symbolizing time’s end. |
| Mood | Overall solemn and hopeful tone | Reflects the poem’s dual themes of farewell and renewal. |
| Parallelism | “Ring out… Ring in…” repeated structure | Structural repetition reinforces thematic oppositions. |
| Personification | “The year is dying” | Time is given human traits to evoke sympathy and drama. |
| Repetition | “Ring out” appears in each stanza | Reinforces the central idea of transition and cleansing. |
| Symbolism | “Bells” symbolize renewal, “darkness” symbolizes ignorance | Abstract ideas are conveyed through concrete images. |
| Tone | Optimistic, moral, reformative | Urges social, personal, and spiritual transformation with hopeful conviction. |
Themes: “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
1. Renewal and the Passage of Time: In “Ring Out, Wild Bells”, the central theme is the cyclical nature of time and the possibility of renewal with each new year. Tennyson captures the essence of transition by urging the symbolic bells to “Ring out the old, ring in the new”. The poem aligns the end of the year with a form of death (“The year is dying in the night”), and positions the new year as an opportunity for rebirth and moral rejuvenation. This theme reflects both personal and societal renewal, inviting readers to let go of the past’s burdens and embrace the future’s hope. The bells become a metaphor for change, guiding humanity through the turning points of time.
2. Moral and Social Transformation: Tennyson uses “Ring Out, Wild Bells” as a call for ethical improvement and social justice. The poem advocates for ending divisions and embracing equality: “Ring out the feud of rich and poor, / Ring in redress to all mankind.” Through these lines, Tennyson voices his hope for a more compassionate and fair society. He critiques the “ancient forms of party strife” and urges “purer laws” and “nobler modes of life.” This reflects a Victorian concern with reform and the poet’s belief in progress through moral evolution. The theme highlights the desire for a better, kinder world driven by truth, justice, and shared humanity.
3. Spiritual Aspiration and Redemption: Throughout “Ring Out, Wild Bells”, there is a deep undercurrent of spiritual yearning and hope for redemption. The poem ends with a powerful invocation: “Ring in the Christ that is to be,” suggesting not just the birth of Christ in a religious sense, but a spiritual awakening in humanity. Tennyson imagines a world where love, truth, and peace prevail, as he calls to “Ring in the love of truth and right, / Ring in the common love of good.” This theme ties personal transformation with divine guidance, aligning moral reform with a higher, spiritual ideal that echoes Christian values of renewal, peace, and salvation.
4. Hope for Peace and Unity: A vision of universal peace and unity runs strongly through “Ring Out, Wild Bells”. The poem expresses a longing for the end of conflict, war, and division: “Ring out the thousand wars of old, / Ring in the thousand years of peace.” Tennyson’s repetition emphasizes a collective desire to overcome historical violence and replace it with enduring harmony. He calls for the removal of “false pride in place and blood” and the promotion of “the kindlier hand.” This theme of peace is idealistic but also deeply human, rooted in a belief that unity and love can overcome the darkness of history if society chooses renewal.
Literary Theories and “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
| Literary Theory | Application to the Poem | Supporting References |
| Moral / Philosophical Criticism | The poem is a call for moral renewal and ethical clarity, advocating truth, justice, and compassion. Tennyson uses poetry to urge individuals and society to reject falsehood, sin, and social injustice. | “Ring out the false, ring in the true”, “Ring out the feud of rich and poor”, “Ring in the love of truth and right” |
| Religious / Christian Criticism | The poem ends on a spiritual and redemptive note, invoking Christ and a vision of peace, aligning with Christian eschatological hope and values of renewal. | “Ring in the Christ that is to be”, “Ring out the thousand wars of old, / Ring in the thousand years of peace” |
| New Historicism | Reflects the Victorian era’s concerns with social reform, class inequality, and moral progress. The poem captures the reformist spirit of the 19th century and optimism in social evolution. | “Ring out the feud of rich and poor”, “Ring in redress to all mankind”, “Ring in the nobler modes of life” |
| Structuralism | The poem uses binary oppositions and repetitive structures to construct meaning (e.g., old/new, false/true, war/peace). The constant “ring out/ring in” pattern reflects a universal structure of renewal. | “Ring out the old, ring in the new”, “Ring out the want… / Ring in the fuller minstrel”, consistent parallelism across stanzas |
Critical Questions about “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
1. How does “Ring Out, Wild Bells” reflect the human desire for renewal and transformation?
“Ring Out, Wild Bells” is a poetic expression of the universal human longing to leave behind sorrow, injustice, and conflict, and to embrace hope, truth, and spiritual growth. The repeated calls to “Ring out the old, ring in the new” reflect a deep yearning for change—both personal and societal. By connecting the death of the year to a symbolic cleansing, Tennyson suggests that time itself offers a chance for moral transformation. The poem’s structure reinforces this message, with every stanza presenting things to be discarded (“Ring out the want, the care, the sin”) and values to be embraced (“Ring in the love of truth and right”). This rhythm of rejection and renewal echoes rituals of reflection at year’s end and resonates with readers’ natural hope for betterment.
2. In what ways does Tennyson use sound imagery and structure to enhance the meaning of the poem?
Tennyson uses the image and sound of bells as a powerful poetic device in “Ring Out, Wild Bells”, making them both literal and symbolic agents of change. The repetitive ringing becomes the heartbeat of the poem, echoed through the consistent structure of “Ring out… Ring in…”. This not only mirrors the sound of real church bells but also creates a musical cadence that enhances the poem’s meditative, ceremonial tone. The sound imagery emphasizes urgency and importance, as bells traditionally announce pivotal moments—death, celebration, worship. The line “Ring, happy bells, across the snow” conjures a serene yet solemn winter landscape, reinforcing both the season and the emotional weight of farewell and hope. The sound structure thus amplifies the themes of transition, reflection, and moral clarity.
3. What social and political issues does the poem address, and how are they relevant today?
Though written in the 19th century, “Ring Out, Wild Bells” addresses social divisions and political reform that remain relevant today. Tennyson urges the end of “the feud of rich and poor” and “ancient forms of party strife”, showing his frustration with entrenched inequality and political conflict. He imagines a world governed by “purer laws” and “nobler modes of life”, suggesting a vision of social justice, fairness, and unity. This forward-looking desire for reform speaks to ongoing conversations in modern society about equity, political polarization, and moral leadership. The poem becomes not just a personal or spiritual plea, but a public moral voice asking for compassion, truth, and civic responsibility—ideals that are continually relevant in any era.
4. What role does religion and spiritual hope play in the message of the poem?
Religion and spirituality are integral to the vision of moral and social renewal in “Ring Out, Wild Bells”. While much of the poem deals with human values—truth, justice, peace—the final stanza introduces a Christian hope for divine redemption: “Ring in the Christ that is to be.” This line points beyond political or emotional transformation toward a spiritual awakening or second coming, suggesting that true peace and light will ultimately come from a higher source. It aligns with Tennyson’s broader poetic interest in faith during an age of doubt, and reflects his belief that moral progress must be accompanied by spiritual renewal. The invocation of Christ, framed as a future ideal rather than just a historical figure, makes the poem’s conclusion both religious and visionary.
Literary Works Similar to “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
- “A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day” by John Dryden
→ Celebrates the power of sound and music (like bells) to influence emotion and inspire spiritual reflection, much like Tennyson’s use of bell imagery to call for moral renewal. - “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
→ Shares the theme of renewal and transformation through nature, with the wind as a force of change just as Tennyson uses the bells to symbolize transition. - “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe
→ Uses repetition and sound symbolism to capture the passage of time and emotional states, similar to Tennyson’s structured ringing pattern across stanzas. - “New Year’s Eve” by D.H. Lawrence
→ Reflects on the symbolism of the New Year as a time for letting go and beginning again, echoing the hopeful yet solemn tone of Tennyson’s poem. - “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
→ Another of Tennyson’s reflective works, it also deals with farewell, death, and spiritual transition, using maritime imagery instead of bells, but with a similar emotional and spiritual resonance.
Representative Quotations of “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
| Quotation | Context in the Poem | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky” | Opening line; sets the scene with sound and nature calling for change. | Ecocriticism / Sound Symbolism – Nature is both backdrop and agent of renewal. |
| “The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.” | Personifies the ending year as something to be mourned and released. | Psychoanalytic / Structuralism – Represents closure, acceptance, and cyclical time. |
| “Ring out the old, ring in the new” | Central motif; contrasts past and future. | Structuralism / Moral Criticism – Binary opposites create a framework for change. |
| “Ring out the grief that saps the mind” | Urges emotional healing from personal or collective loss. | Humanist / Psychoanalytic – Focus on emotional renewal and mental liberation. |
| “Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind.” | Advocates for social justice and equality. | Marxist Criticism / Social Reform Theory – Addresses class division and redistribution. |
| “Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife” | Rejects outdated politics and divisions. | New Historicism / Political Theory – Reflects Victorian-era reformist concerns. |
| “Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes, But ring the fuller minstrel in.” | The poet expresses desire to be replaced by a stronger, more hopeful voice. | Romanticism / Self-reflexive Criticism – Poet’s humility and hope for poetic evolution. |
| “Ring out false pride in place and blood” | Rejects elitism and inherited privilege. | Feminist / Post-Colonial Theory – Challenges systems of inherited dominance. |
| “Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace.” | Longs for an end to war and a utopian peace. | Utopian Theory / Christian Eschatology – Hope for a messianic or ideal future. |
| “Ring in the Christ that is to be.” | Final line; a call for spiritual rebirth and divine transformation. | Theological / Religious Criticism – Alludes to messianic hope and Christian salvation. |
Suggested Readings: “Ring Out, Wild Bells” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
- Doyle, Melinda Sue. The choral works of Augusta Read Thomas: an examination of Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky and an annotated survey of her complete works. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, 2011.
- Gilchrist, W. W. “Ring out, Wild Bells (Music).” The Course of Study, vol. 1, no. 1, 1900, pp. 98–98. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/992080. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
- Fletcher, Percy E. “Extra Supplement: Ring Out, Wild Bells.” The Musical Times, vol. 55, no. 862, 1914, pp. 1–12. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/911023. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
- George T. Armitage. “Ring out Wild Bells: A True, After-Christmas, Christmas Vignette.” Montana: The Magazine of Western History, vol. 13, no. 1, 1963, pp. 2–7. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4516658. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.