Oenone is a melancholic heroine

“Oenone” is a very melancholic and sad poem. Oenone is the central character or heroine, and she is also a melancholic person. She suffers devastation because she was abandoned by Paris. Paris left her and decided to go after Helen, the most beautiful woman. As a result, Oenone became very depressed, and she complained to her mother; this poem is like a lament. Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote this poem before 1833, and it was one of his earliest poems where he dealt with a Greek mythological character. Later, he also wrote “The Lotos-Eaters,” “Ulysses,” and “Tithonus,” all of which are based on Greek mythology.

In the poem “Oenone,” we find that Oenone is complaining to her mother about her suffering in life. She is a very sad character, and she narrates the entire story. The god Ares gave an apple to Paris, stating that he would be the judge. Three goddesses desired the apple, and it was up to Paris to decide who would receive it. Hera, the wife of Zeus, promised that if Paris gave her the apple, she would grant him power, making him ruler of the world. Aphrodite promised that she would give Paris the most beautiful woman in the world. Pallas was the third goddess who promised to give Paris knowledge and wisdom. However, Oenone wanted Paris to accept the offer of the goddess Pallas because knowledge and wisdom can make life beautiful. However, Paris was not interested, and he chose Aphrodite’s offer, which ultimately led to Oenone's suffering and destruction.

Tennyson used Greek mythology in a modern way and made “Oenone” a deeply melancholic poem. He portrayed Oenone as a sad woman who suffered injustice, and the poet wanted to draw the reader's attention to the sufferings of this beautiful character.

Life was not fair to Oenone, as she loved Paris deeply and was always faithful to him. In contrast, Paris was neither a good man nor a devoted lover. He easily abandoned Oenone for the promise of getting a beautiful wife. This betrayal was even more painful for Oenone because she was pregnant with Paris’ child, and he left her at the time she would give birth to their baby.

“Oenone” is a sad and painful poem that also conveys moral lessons. It portrays the injustice men have done to women throughout generations. What Aphrodite offered Paris was not love but a destructive temptation. 

Victorian elements and ideas in Tennyson’s Oenone and Tithonus

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was the greatest poet of the Victorian age, and during his lifetime, he was more popular than Robert Browning and Matthew Arnold. One of the reasons for Tennyson’s popularity was his ability to capture the spirit of his time. In other words, he had a good understanding of what people thought during his lifetime. This made him very famous and successful. The two poems under discussion, Oenone and Tithonus, are based on Greek mythology. They also contain moral lessons, yet they reflect Victorian elements and ideas. As a result, these poems were fascinating to Victorian readers.

The Victorian age in England began with the reign of Queen Victoria. However, many people believe that it started slightly earlier with the Reform Act of 1832. Victoria ascended the British throne in 1837. It was a very important time for England for many reasons. There were political issues, as ordinary people were demanding voting rights and democracy. The British people witnessed significant changes in various fields, particularly in science and knowledge. It was a very unstable time, with many things happening in a short period. Tennyson himself was somewhat conservative and did not favor rapid change. Therefore, in Oenone and Tithonus, we can see Tennyson criticizing those who sought change too quickly or recklessly.

If we look at Oenone, we will notice that Paris neglected his devoted wife, Oenone. She was dedicated, loving, and caring toward Paris, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. When the three goddesses offered him three gifts, he chose not to select knowledge. In doing so, he neglected wisdom, an idea Tennyson strongly disapproved of. Tennyson, being a man who valued knowledge, wanted to emphasize the importance of education and intellectual growth.

Neglecting knowledge, Paris pursued beauty. He cared more for passion than for knowledge and logic. Oenone tried to reason with him using logic, but Paris refused to listen to what was right and rational. Tennyson may have symbolized the idea that if people prioritize passion and beauty over logic and knowledge, social disharmony and unrest will follow. As a result of Paris’ actions, Troy was completely destroyed in a devastating war.

In Oenone, Tennyson aimed to convey a message to the people of his time, particularly in Victorian England, emphasizing the importance of embracing knowledge over beauty. He suggested that individuals must be careful in their choices in life; otherwise, they will face suffering.

Tithonus conveys a different message for the Victorian people. Tithonus sought immortality and received divine blessings for it. This desire reflects a growing emphasis on science and knowledge. During the Victorian era, many scientists and scholars began to challenge Christianity and religion as a whole. The criticism of religion became so pronounced that Charles Darwin was able to publish his book, claiming that there was no God and that the Bible was fundamentally flawed. According to Darwin’s theory, human beings did not originate from divine creation but evolved through natural processes. Tennyson may have wanted to suggest that if we forget God and focus solely on science and knowledge, destruction may follow.

Tennyson also warned the Victorian people about their desires. The message of Tithonus can be summarized as: “Be careful about what you wish for.” He wanted to convey to his fellow countrymen that if they desired too much, like Tithonus, they would ultimately suffer. During this time, there was significant political activity, and ordinary people were demanding more rights and democracy. As a result, there was a great deal of violence during the Victorian age, and Tennyson was not someone who favored social anarchy.

I have already stated that Tennyson was not fond of rapid change in society. In Tithonus, he aimed to convey to his people that the natural way is the best way. Tithonus desired something unnatural—immortality—which ultimately led to his destruction and suffering.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in these two poems, Oenone and Tithonus, Tennyson conveyed important messages to the Victorian people. 

Judgment scene in Oenone

“Oenone” is a wonderful poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It tells the story of the Greek mythological character Oenone and her tragic life. Perhaps the most important part of the poem is the judgment scene, where the golden apple is introduced, and Paris must choose between the three goddesses who desire it.

Paris decided to give the apple to Aphrodite, who promised him that in return, she would ensure he would have the most beautiful and loving wife in Greece. The judgment scene is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it occurs at a crucial moment in the poem. Up until that point, the poem focuses on Oenone’s sadness, as she has already been abandoned by Paris. Understanding the background of the story, which the judgment scene provides, is essential for the reader. 

The poem reaches its climax in the judgment scene, where Paris’ decision sets the course for what follows. It is at this moment that Paris resolves to leave Oenone and pursue Helen as his wife. The judgment scene also reflects Tennyson’s idea about 19th-century England, particularly the Victorian era. Hera symbolizes power, much like Queen Victoria. During the Victorian age, the English people made significant advancements in science and knowledge, which Pallas Athena represents. Simultaneously, there was an increasing emphasis on beauty and superficial appearances, as embodied by Aphrodite. Thus, the judgment scene highlights the dilemma faced by the Victorian people, who were torn between these competing values during Tennyson’s time.

The judgment scene also provides Tennyson with an opportunity to impart moral lessons within the poem. Although “Oenone” is based on a mythological character, it carries important moral messages. The poem suggests that we should not be overly driven by passion, especially when it comes to love and marriage. Oenone suffered because she was too passionate about Paris, ignoring his background and character. Similarly, Paris, consumed by his passion for Helen, fails to recognize that Oenone is a good wife. His decision to leave Oenone for Helen was an act of folly, underscoring the dangers of letting passion override reason.

“Oenone” is a beautiful dramatic monologue in which Oenone serves as the speaker. She reflects on a critical moment in her life, as is typical in dramatic monologues, where characters often share their experiences during pivotal situations. In this poem, the judgment scene plays a key role in helping us understand Oenone’s background and the circumstances that have led to her current state.

Oenone is enduring a critical situation and is contemplating suicide. The judgment scene reveals the shock she experienced as she witnessed Paris leaving her to accept Aphrodite’s gift of another woman. This betrayal is heartbreaking for any woman or wife in any era. The judgment scene allows us to deeply empathize with Oenone’s pain and understand the extent of her suffering.

The judgment scene also introduces several key characters, particularly the three goddesses. These goddesses were incredibly powerful and often manipulated the lives of humans, reflecting a common belief in ancient Greece. However, in this scene, we also see negative traits, especially in Aphrodite. She tempts Paris with the promise of a beautiful woman, ultimately leading to the destruction of both Paris and Oenone’s lives.

The judgment scene in “Oenone” is particularly interesting, as such scenes are more commonly found in dramas, like in The Merchant of Venice. The judgment scene in The Merchant of Venice is renowned and has become iconic. Although “Oenone” is not a lengthy poem, it still features a compelling and significant judgment scene, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. 

The moral lesson in “Tithonus” and “Oenone”

Tennyson was perhaps the most famous poet of the Victorian age. His poems often contain some moral lessons. The two poems “Oenone” and “Tithonus” both are directly and indirectly related to the death of his close friend Arthur Hallam. So, it is natural to have some moral lessons and some reflections on life and death and suffering of people. Another two poems based on Greek mythology called “Ulysses” and “Lotus Eaters” should also be taken into consideration when talking about poems like “Tithonus” and “Oenone”.

First I like to talk about the moral lesson in “Oenone”. The moral lesson in “Oenone” is somewhat clear and it is a very beautiful but simple poem. Paris was a prince, but he was not a good husband. He was fond of some gods and goddesses, but as a human being, he was terrible.

There is a strong moral lesson that if you get too much carried away with your emotion then you are bound to suffer. Oenone did not think anything but became crazy for Paris. She did not bother to think whether Paris was a good man or a bad man. The same can be said about Paris who got a very kind and devoted wife in Oenone, but yet he became crazy when he got the offer from Aphrodite that he would be able to get married to the most beautiful woman in entire Greece. Tennyson is suggesting here that emotion is not enough in life and we must apply knowledge and our brain. We must use our senses and think about life. When it comes to marriage you must not easily take any decision. Otherwise, you will suffer badly in life just as Oenone suffered.

“Tithonus” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is a dramatic monologue. In the poem, Tithonus tells the reader his story and his suffering from immortality. Aurora, the goddess of dawn, falls in love with Tithonus and brings him to live with her. Tithonus asks Aurora to make him immortal but forgets to ask for eternal youth. As a result, he grows old and weak but does not die. The poem opens up with Tithonus lamenting his immortality. In this poem, we can find two moral messages- accepting death and shun greed.

In the original Greek version, it was not Tithonus but Aurora, who asked Zeus to make Tithonus immortal but forgets to ask for eternal youth. The moral message Tennyson tried to give his readers is, “Death is a normal part of life. Trying to overcome death means break of that cycle which would not bring any good to human beings.”

Life is dear to all of us. We are afraid of death and it is inevitable. However, life without death is immortal life and it is not so attractive. Tithonus is immortal, but he is not enjoying his immortality but lamenting it. He tells Aurora to take back her gift of immortality, but that would not be possible because once the god grants something, he cannot take it back. Tithonus says, 

Why should a man desire in any way

To vary from the kindly race of men,

Or pass beyond the goal of ordinance

In the end, Tithonus refers to ordinary people as “happy men” because have the power to die. 

Another moral lesson of this poem is the effect of greed. Tithonus was greedy for immortality. He finally got it, but it did not do him any good. Tithonus said,

I ask’d thee, “Give me immortality.”

Then didst thou grant mine asking with a smile,

Like wealthy men who care not how they give.

He prayed to Aurora for immortality and Aurora grant him his wish. It was like a charity by a wealthy man, who had too much wealth and did not bother what he gave. Now, he is suffering from immortality. He is old but he cannot die. He thinks that an old man like him cannot live with a goddess who is immortal and young. 

Treatment of the Greek mythology in “Oenone” and “Tithonus”

The romantic poets were not that much interested in writing about Greek mythology as we can hardly find any poem of Wordsworth or Coleridge related to the topic. However, the Victorian poets were just the opposite, and Tennyson, in particular, was deeply interested in Greek mythology. Robert Browning was interested in Renaissance. Tennyson’s two poems “Oenone” and “Tithonus” both deal with Greek mythological characters and there we can find Tennyson giving different treatment about mythology and the mythological characters.

First, I like to talk about Oenone who was a mythological character. He married Paris, the prince of Troy. In fact, she was the first choice of Pairs, who abandoned her for Helen.

We all know the reason behind Paris going after Helen. Aphrodite promised him that if he gave the golden apple to her then she would give the most beautiful woman of Greece to Paris as his wife. Here, in this poem, Tennyson has presented Greek mythology in a new light. In ancient Greece, it was not such a big crime to abandon the first wife and going after another woman. Women did not have that much respect in society. In our age, if this matter happened then Oenone could have gone to court and filed a lawsuit against Paris. However, in ancient Greece Oenone did have no choice but to lament her fate and even she thought of committing suicide. During the Victorian age, the condition of women was gradually improving and Queen Victoria was herself a woman. Still, it was not like today. Women still had limited access to education, job and their wealth. They had no political right or voting right during the time Tennyson wrote. Tennyson was not himself a feminist, but here in the poem, he has shown the suffering of women. This suffering happened because Oenone did not have any right as a woman or as a wife. He was totally dependent on the mercy of Paris. After Paris abandoned her, her life was all but finished even though she was pregnant with a child.

Tennyson has focused more on the misery and suffering of Oenone in the poem than describing the mythological story. This is a very nice thing that he has done because normally mythological poets are often full of miracles of gods and goddesses. Here, the focus is not on Helen or not on Aphrodite but on the bad condition of Oenone.

“Tithonus” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is a dramatic monologue. In the poem, Tithonus tells the reader his story and his suffering from immortality. Aurora, the goddess of dawn, falls in love with Tithonus and brings him to live with her. Tithonus asks Aurora to make him immortal but forgets to ask for eternal youth. As a result, he grows old and weak but does not die. The poem opens up with Tithonus lamenting his immortality.

In the original Greek version, it was not Tithonus but Aurora, who asked Zeus to make Tithonus immortal but forgot to asks for eternal youth. Tennyson changed the story to provide readers a moral message and that message is “Death is a normal part of life. Trying to overcome death means break of that cycle, which would not bring any good to human beings.”

Life is dear to all of us. We are afraid of death and it is inevitable. However, life without death is immortal life and that is not so attractive. Tithonus is immortal, but he is not enjoying his immortality but lamenting it. He tells Aurora to take back her gift of immortality, but that would not be possible because once the god grants something, he cannot take it away. Tithonus says,

Why should a man desire in any way

To vary from the kindly race of men,

Or pass beyond the goal of ordinance 

In the end, Tithonus refers to ordinary people as “happy men” because they have the power to die. 

Through Tithonus, Tennyson is addressing the readers not to be afraid of death. Tennyson wrote this poem shortly after the death of his close friend, Arthur Henry Hallam. His death affected Tennyson very much. He died at a very young age. Tennyson was trying to justify his death.

The poet also tried to warn the readers about greed. Tithonus was greedy for immortality. He finally got it, but it did not do him any good. Tithonus said,

I ask’d thee, “Give me immortality.”

Then didst thou grant mine asking with a smile,

Like wealthy men who care not how they give.

He prayed to Aurora for immortality and Aurora grant him his wish. It was like a charity by a wealthy man, who had too much wealth and did not bother what he gave. Now, he is suffering from immortality. He is old but he cannot die. He thinks that an old man like him cannot live with a goddess who is immortal and young.