For my analysis, the story that I've chosen is the Kraken by Arthur Lord Tennyson. The poem itself is derivative of the Norse legend of the creature, a more than giant squid-like monster that was rumored to live off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. It is said that the legend of the Kraken is most likely based on sightings of giant squids, who - like the Kraken - lay in the depths, but have reportedly surfaced in order to cause havoc and attack sailing vessels. It is often the victim of wild hyperbole, though there is definitely some skepticism in the minds of those who believe they've seen this creature. This essay will examine The Kraken by Arthur Lord Tennyson, and how the author employed literary elements to craft this haunting masterpiece.
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It explores Tennyson's attitude toward his readers, the amazing way he paints the setting as a picture in your mind, and about the slight biblical themes he employs. By the end of this essay, several things should be clear. First, the tone of this work - incredibly important - is solemn, serious; far from playful. This is illustrated all throughout the piece by a lack of jovial language and an abundance of that which illustrates the magnificence of something and at the end, the death of that very thing. Secondly, the reader should realize the importance of the setting and how it adds to the piece, how it helps to set the very tone of the work. Tennyson calls it the 'abysmal sea' and refers to all of the life forms feeding and growing to absolutely awesome sizes around this thing. Thirdly - and finally - the theme. Within this piece, there were several biblical themes, but at the same time that they were present, they were also understated by language. Instead of coming out straight and saying 'when the apocalypse happens', he referred to it as the 'latter fire'. These three literary elements work together to create an altogether haunting, chilling, magnificent piece of literature that paints a picture and evokes several different feelings throughout reading it. That sums up my analysis of the Kraken by Arthur Lord
It explores Tennyson's attitude toward his readers, the amazing way he paints the setting as a picture in your mind, and about the slight biblical themes he employs. By the end of this essay, several things should be clear. First, the tone of this work - incredibly important - is solemn, serious; far from playful. This is illustrated all throughout the piece by a lack of jovial language and an abundance of that which illustrates the magnificence of something and at the end, the death of that very thing. Secondly, the reader should realize the importance of the setting and how it adds to the piece, how it helps to set the very tone of the work. Tennyson calls it the 'abysmal sea' and refers to all of the life forms feeding and growing to absolutely awesome sizes around this thing. Thirdly - and finally - the theme. Within this piece, there were several biblical themes, but at the same time that they were present, they were also understated by language. Instead of coming out straight and saying 'when the apocalypse happens', he referred to it as the 'latter fire'. These three literary elements work together to create an altogether haunting, chilling, magnificent piece of literature that paints a picture and evokes several different feelings throughout reading it. That sums up my analysis of the Kraken by Arthur Lord