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Alfred Tennyson: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Objective English MCQs

Alfred Tennyson: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams: Preparing for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL, or State PSC exams? Dive into Alfred Tennyson, the Victorian poet laureate, with this comprehensive guide! Explore his biography, iconic works like In Memoriam A.H.H., famous quotes such as “Theirs not to reason why,” and 150 MCQs to ace your English literature prep. Perfect for exam success!

Alfred Tennyson portrait for UGC NET English literature

Portrait of Alfred Tennyson, Victorian poet (Public Domain)

Introduction to Alfred Tennyson

Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892), poet laureate of Victorian England, is celebrated for works like In Memoriam A.H.H. and lines such as “Tears, idle tears.” His poems, including The Charge of the Light Brigade, Ulysses, and Idylls of the King, are essential for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. This guide, with his biography, major works, 11 iconic quotes, and 150 MCQs, is tailored for exam success.

Biographical Details

Full Name: Alfred Tennyson
Title: 1st Baron Tennyson
Pen Name: None
Age of Literature: Victorian (1830–1900)
Birth and Death: August 6, 1809 – October 6, 1892
Birthplace: Somersby, Lincolnshire, England
Parents: George Clayton Tennyson and Elizabeth Fytche
Parents’ Profession: George Clayton Tennyson (clergyman, rector); Elizabeth Fytche (homemaker)
Spouse: Emily Sellwood
Children: Hallam Tennyson, Lionel Tennyson

Born in Somersby, Tennyson’s father, George Clayton Tennyson, was a clergyman and rector, while his mother, Elizabeth Fytche, was a homemaker, details tested in JNUET. Educated at Cambridge, Tennyson became poet laureate in 1850, shaping Victorian poetry, relevant for NET.

Literary Journey

Tennyson’s career began with *Poems, Chiefly Lyrical* (1830). His elegiac masterpiece In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850) and heroic The Charge of the Light Brigade (1854) defined Victorian poetry, studied for NET.

First Work: Poems by Two Brothers (1827)
First Published Poem: Poems, Chiefly Lyrical (1830)
Major Milestone: In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850)
Last Major Work: Crossing the Bar (1889)
Tenure as Poet Laureate: 1850–1892

Exam Tip: Memorize In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850) and Tennyson’s laureateship for UGC NET and SET.

Major Works, Themes, and Famous Quotes

Tennyson’s works span elegies, epics, and lyrics, exploring grief, heroism, and progress, as in “Theirs not to reason why.” Essential for TGT, PGT, and MA English entrance.

Main Themes:
- Grief: Mourning in In Memoriam A.H.H..
- Heroism: Duty in The Charge of the Light Brigade.
- Progress: Evolution in Ulysses.
- Love: Romance in The Lady of Shalott.
All Famous Works with Themes:
- In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850): Elegy; grief, faith, science.
- The Charge of the Light Brigade (1854): Lyric; heroism, war, duty.
- Idylls of the King (1859–1885): Epic; chivalry, Arthurian legend, morality.
- Ulysses (1842): Dramatic monologue; adventure, aging, ambition.
- Tithonus (1860): Lyric; immortality, aging, despair.
- The Lady of Shalott (1832): Narrative poem; love, isolation, art.
- Maud (1855): Monodrama; love, madness, war.
- The Princess (1847): Narrative poem; gender, education, love.
- Break, Break, Break (1842): Lyric; grief, loss, nature.
- Crossing the Bar (1889): Lyric; death, faith, transition.
Famous Quotes for Exams:
- “Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean.” – Tears, Idle Tears (NET, UPSC)
- “Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.” – The Charge of the Light Brigade (SET, PGT)
- “Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky.” – In Memoriam A.H.H. (NET, JNUET)
- “I hold it true, whate’er befall.” – In Memoriam A.H.H. (CTET, TGT)
- “Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.” – Locksley Hall (DUET, SET)
- “My strength is as the strength of ten, / Because my heart is pure.” – Sir Galahad (NET, PGT)
- “The old order changeth, yielding place to new.” – Idylls of the King (UPSC, CTET)
- “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come.” – In Memoriam A.H.H. (NET, DUET)
- “In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” – Locksley Hall (SET)
- “Men may rise on stepping-stones of their dead selves to higher things.” – In Memoriam A.H.H. (JNUET)
- “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” – Ulysses (NET, TGT)
Work That Brought Fame: In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850) and The Charge of the Light Brigade (1854).

Tennyson’s use of blank verse and dramatic monologue is tested for poetic devices in NET. His Victorian themes are central to CTET.

Exam Tip: Study In Memoriam A.H.H. and Ulysses for NET themes and memorize quotes like “Theirs not to reason why” for UPSC.

Pull Quote: “Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.” – Alfred Tennyson, The Charge of the Light Brigade

Awards and Recognition

Tennyson’s accolades include:

Poet Laureate: Appointed in 1850 (NET)
Peerage: Created Baron Tennyson in 1884 (SET)
Global Legacy: Tennyson Societies, academic studies (JNUET)

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

Tested in UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, UPSC, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:

Blank Verse: Used in Ulysses (NET)
Poet Laureate: 1850–1892 (SET)
Victorianism: Reflected progress and doubt (JNUET)
Cambridge: Educated at Trinity College (GATE)
Imagery: Vivid nature and medievalism (CTET)
Influences: Keats, Shakespeare, Milton (NET)
Crimean War: Inspired The Charge of the Light Brigade (UPSC)

Critical Analysis and Lesser-Known Works

Tennyson’s elegies are analyzed for their emotional depth in In Memoriam A.H.H., tested in NET. Lesser-known works like Tithonus explore mortality, studied in JNUET. His monodrama Maud is debated in SET.

Pull Quote: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” – Alfred Tennyson, Ulysses

Historical Context and Modern Relevance

Tennyson wrote during the Industrial Revolution and Crimean War, reflected in The Charge of the Light Brigade, studied for UPSC. His themes of progress and faith resonate in modern discussions of change, relevant for JNUET. His language is taught in CTET.

Pull Quote: “Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky.” – Alfred Tennyson, In Memoriam A.H.H.

150 MCQs for Competitive Exams

Test your knowledge with these 150 MCQs, designed for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:

What is Alfred Tennyson’s full name?
A) Alfred Tennyson B) Alfred Lord Tennyson C) Alfred George Tennyson D) Alfred James Tennyson
Answer: A) Alfred Tennyson
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL.
In which literary era did Tennyson write?
A) Romantic B) Victorian C) Modern D) Elizabethan
Answer: B) Victorian
Explanation: 1830–1900 for NET.
Where was Tennyson born?
A) London B) Somersby C) Cambridge D) Oxford
Answer: B) Somersby
Explanation: Lincolnshire, 1809 for TGT.
Who was Tennyson’s wife?
A) Emily Sellwood B) Elizabeth Fytche C) Mary Hallam D) Anne Barrett
Answer: A) Emily Sellwood
Explanation: Married 1850 for DUET.
When did Tennyson begin writing poetry?
A) 1810s B) 1820s C) 1830s D) 1840s
Answer: B) 1820s
Explanation: Early career for SET.
Who was Tennyson’s father?
A) George Clayton Tennyson B) Charles Tennyson C) John Tennyson D) William Tennyson
Answer: A) George Clayton Tennyson
Explanation: Clergyman for JNUET.
What was Tennyson’s mother’s profession?
A) Homemaker B) Teacher C) Poet D) Nurse
Answer: A) Homemaker
Explanation: Elizabeth Fytche for DUET.
Where did Tennyson study?
A) Oxford B) Cambridge C) Eton D) Harrow
Answer: B) Cambridge
Explanation: Trinity College for NET.
What title was Tennyson awarded?
A) Baron Tennyson B) Sir Tennyson C) Duke Tennyson D) Earl Tennyson
Answer: A) Baron Tennyson
Explanation: 1884 for UPSC.
How old was Tennyson when he died?
A) 73 B) 83 C) 93 D) 63
Answer: B) 83
Explanation: Died 1892 for JNUET.
In which year was Tennyson born?
A) 1799 B) 1809 C) 1819 D) 1829
Answer: B) 1809
Explanation: Birth record for SSC CGL.
When did Tennyson die?
A) 1872 B) 1882 C) 1892 D) 1902
Answer: C) 1892
Explanation: Natural causes for TGT.
What was Tennyson’s father’s profession?
A) Clergyman B) Lawyer C) Merchant D) Poet
Answer: A) Clergyman
Explanation: George Tennyson for SET.
Who influenced Tennyson’s writing?
A) Keats B) Milton C) Shakespeare D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Literary sources for NET.
What was Tennyson’s political stance?
A) Liberal B) Conservative C) Radical D) Neutral
Answer: B) Conservative
Explanation: Victorian values for GATE.
Where did Tennyson live later in life?
A) Isle of Wight B) London C) Cambridge D) Oxford
Answer: A) Isle of Wight
Explanation: Farringford House for DUET.
Who was Tennyson’s literary contemporary?
A) Browning B) Milton C) Shakespeare D) Donne
Answer: A) Browning
Explanation: Victorian poet for NET.
What caused Tennyson’s death?
A) Illness B) Accident C) Duel D) War
Answer: A) Illness
Explanation: Old age for SET.
Who was Tennyson’s mother?
A) Elizabeth Fytche B) Emily Sellwood C) Mary Hallam D) Anne Barrett
Answer: A) Elizabeth Fytche
Explanation: Homemaker for DUET.
Which child of Tennyson became governor-general?
A) Hallam Tennyson B) Lionel Tennyson C) Both D) None
Answer: A) Hallam Tennyson
Explanation: Australia for JNUET.
What was Tennyson’s religious stance?
A) Atheist B) Anglican C) Catholic D) Agnostic
Answer: B) Anglican
Explanation: Influenced works for SSC CGL.
In which year was Tennyson made poet laureate?
A) 1840 B) 1850 C) 1860 D) 1870
Answer: B) 1850
Explanation: After Wordsworth for SET.
What inspired Tennyson’s poetry?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Crimean War C) Arthurian legend D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Victorian themes for NET.
Where did Tennyson meet Emily Sellwood?
A) Cambridge B) Lincolnshire C) London D) Isle of Wight
Answer: B) Lincolnshire
Explanation: Childhood friend for UPSC.
Who was Tennyson’s friend at Cambridge?
A) Arthur Hallam B) Robert Browning C) John Keats D) Lord Byron
Answer: A) Arthur Hallam
Explanation: Inspired In Memoriam for DUET.
What was Tennyson’s nationality?
A) British B) French C) Irish D) Scottish
Answer: A) British
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL.
Which poet succeeded Tennyson as laureate?
A) Austin B) Browning C) Swinburne D) None
Answer: A) Austin
Explanation: Alfred Austin for NET.
What was Tennyson’s education?
A) Self-taught B) Cambridge C) Oxford D) Eton
Answer: B) Cambridge
Explanation: Trinity College for JNUET.
Where was Tennyson buried?
A) Westminster Abbey B) Somersby C) Isle of Wight D) Cambridge
Answer: A) Westminster Abbey
Explanation: Poets’ Corner for SET.
What was Tennyson’s family’s social status?
A) Gentry B) Working Class C) Aristocracy D) Royalty
Answer: A) Gentry
Explanation: Clergyman’s family for DUET.
What was Tennyson’s first major published work?
A) Poems, Chiefly Lyrical B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Poems, Chiefly Lyrical
Explanation: 1830 for NET.
Which work launched Tennyson’s fame?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) The Charge of the Light Brigade C) Ulysses D) Both A and B
Answer: D) Both A and B
Explanation: 1850–1854 for UPSC.
What is the theme of In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Grief B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Grief
Explanation: “Ring out, wild bells” for SET.
Which work features the quote “Theirs not to reason why”?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Heroism for CTET.
Which work is an elegy?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: For Hallam for TGT.
What is the theme of Ulysses?
A) Adventure B) Love C) War D) Grief
Answer: A) Adventure
Explanation: “To strive, to seek” for NET.
Which work explores Arthurian legend?
A) Idylls of the King B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Chivalry for DUET.
Which work is a dramatic monologue?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Lady of Shalott D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Heroic voice for PGT.
What is the theme of Tithonus?
A) Immortality B) Love C) War D) Nature
Answer: A) Immortality
Explanation: Despair for TGT.
Which work is a narrative poem?
A) The Lady of Shalott B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) The Lady of Shalott
Explanation: Romance for SET.
In which year was The Charge of the Light Brigade published?
A) 1842 B) 1850 C) 1854 D) 1860
Answer: C) 1854
Explanation: Crimean War for NET.
Which work is a monodrama?
A) Maud B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Maud
Explanation: Madness for PGT.
What is the theme of The Princess?
A) Gender and Education B) War C) Grief D) Nature
Answer: A) Gender and Education
Explanation: Feminism for TGT.
Which work begins “Tears, idle tears”?
A) Tears, Idle Tears B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Tears, Idle Tears
Explanation: Melancholy for NET.
What is the theme of Crossing the Bar?
A) Death B) Love C) War D) Adventure
Explanation: Transition for SET.
Which work critiques war?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Heroic sacrifice for DUET.
What is the theme of Idylls of the King?
A) Chivalry B) Love C) Grief D) Nature
Answer: A) Chivalry
Explanation: Arthurian for NET.
Which work is a lyric?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Break, Break, Break
Explanation: Grief for PGT.
What is the setting of The Lady of Shalott?
A) Camelot B) London C) Somersby D) Crimea
Answer: A) Camelot
Explanation: Medieval for SET.
Which work was published in 1850?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: Elegy milestone for NET.
What is the theme of Maud?
A) Madness B) Love C) War D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Complex emotions for TGT.
Which work is an epic?
A) Idylls of the King B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Arthurian cycle for SET.
Which work is a lament?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Break, Break, Break
Explanation: Sea imagery for NET.
Which quote is from In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Ring out, wild bells B) Theirs not to reason why C) To strive, to seek D) Knowledge comes
Answer: A) Ring out, wild bells
Explanation: Hopeful renewal for UPSC.
Which work begins “To strive, to seek”?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Heroic resolve for CTET.
Which quote is from Tears, Idle Tears?
A) Tears, idle tears B) Ring out, wild bells C) I hold it true D) The old order changeth
Answer: A) Tears, idle tears
Explanation: Melancholy for NET.
Which work begins “Theirs not to reason why”?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Duty for SET.
Which quote is from Locksley Hall?
A) Knowledge comes B) Ring out, wild bells C) To strive, to seek D) I hold it true
Answer: A) Knowledge comes
Explanation: Progress for CTET.
Which work honors Arthur Hallam?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: Elegy for JNUET.
Which quote is from Sir Galahad?
A) My strength is as the strength B) To strive, to seek C) Ring out, wild bells D) Tears, idle tears
Answer: A) My strength is as the strength
Explanation: Purity for DUET.
Which work is a narrative poem?
A) The Princess B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) The Princess
Explanation: Gender issues for NET.
Which quote is from Idylls of the King?
A) The old order changeth B) To strive, to seek C) Knowledge comes D) I hold it true
Explanation: Change for PGT.
Which work was published in 1842?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Monologue milestone for NET.
Which quote is from In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Hope smiles B) Theirs not to reason why C) To strive, to seek D) Knowledge comes
Answer: A) Hope smiles
Explanation: Optimism for TGT.
Which work is a meditation on death?
A) Crossing the Bar B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Crossing the Bar
Explanation: Faith for SET.
Which work features King Arthur?
A) Idylls of the King B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Medievalism for NET.
Which work explores feminist themes?
A) The Princess B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Princess
Explanation: Education for DUET.
Which work was published in 1889?
A) Crossing the Bar B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Crossing the Bar
Explanation: Late lyric for NET.
Which work is a lament for loss?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Break, Break, Break
Explanation: Nature’s indifference for SET.
Which work features a mythical hero?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Odysseus for PGT.
What is the main theme of In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Grief B) Love C) War D) Adventure
Answer: A) Grief
Explanation: Hallam’s death for TGT.
What is Tennyson’s poetic meter in Ulysses?
A) Blank Verse B) Iambic Pentameter C) Free Verse D) Terza Rima
Answer: A) Blank Verse
Explanation: Unrhymed iambic for GATE.
What is a feature of Tennyson’s style?
A) Vivid Imagery B) Minimalism C) Satirical Prose D) Rhymed Couplets
Answer: A) Vivid Imagery
Explanation: Nature and medievalism for NET.
Which theme is central to The Charge of the Light Brigade?
A) Heroism B) Love C) Grief D) Nature
Answer: A) Heroism
Explanation: Duty for DUET.
What is the tone of The Lady of Shalott?
A) Romantic B) Tragic C) Satirical D) Heroic
Answer: B) Tragic
Explanation: Isolation for CTET.
Which work uses medieval imagery?
A) Idylls of the King B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) All of the above
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Arthurian legend for NET.
What is the form of Tithonus?
A) Dramatic Monologue B) Ode C) Elegy D) Sonnet
Answer: A) Dramatic Monologue
Explanation: Immortality’s curse for SET.
Which theme is prominent in Ulysses?
A) Ambition B) Love C) Grief D) War
Answer: A) Ambition
Explanation: Adventure for PGT.
What is the tone of Break, Break, Break?
A) Mournful B) Joyful C) Satirical D) Heroic
Answer: A) Mournful
Explanation: Loss for NET.
Which work uses mythological elements?
A) Tithonus B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) All of the above
Answer: A) Tithonus
Explanation: Greek myth for DUET.
What is the main theme of Maud?
A) Madness B) Love C) War D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Emotional complexity for JNUET.
Which work employs feminist themes?
A) The Princess B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Princess
Explanation: Gender roles for CTET.
What is the style of The Charge of the Light Brigade?
A) Ballad B) Epic C) Sonnet D) Ode
Answer: A) Ballad
Explanation: Rhythmic narrative for SET.
Which theme is prominent in Crossing the Bar?
A) Death B) Love C) War D) Nature
Answer: A) Death
Explanation: Faith for PGT.
What is the theme of The Lady of Shalott?
A) Isolation B) Love C) War D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Tragic romance for NET.
Which work uses blank verse?
A) Ulysses B) The Charge of the Light Brigade C) In Memoriam D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Monologue form for SET.
What is the tone of In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Elegiac B) Heroic C) Comedic D) Satirical
Answer: A) Elegiac
Explanation: Mourning for DUET.
Which theme is central to Idylls of the King?
A) Morality B) Love C) Grief D) Nature
Answer: A) Morality
Explanation: Chivalry for TGT.
Which work uses pastoral imagery?
A) The Lady of Shalott B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Lady of Shalott
Explanation: Camelot for NET.
Which work explores progress?
A) Locksley Hall B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Victorian ideals for SET.
Which work uses classical allusions?
A) Ulysses B) Tithonus C) In Memoriam D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Greek influence for CTET.
Which theme is central to Tears, Idle Tears?
A) Melancholy B) War C) Love D) Comedy
Answer: A) Melancholy
Explanation: Nostalgia for JNUET.
Which work explores heroic sacrifice?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Crimean War for NET.
Which theme is prominent in Sir Galahad?
A) Purity B) Love C) War D) Grief
Answer: A) Purity
Explanation: Chivalry for PGT.
Which work uses war imagery?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) In Memoriam C) Ulysses D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Battle for SET.
Which work critiques societal change?
A) Locksley Hall B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Locksley Hall
Explanation: Progress for DUET.
Which theme is central to The Princess?
A) Feminism B) Love C) War D) Grief
Answer: A) Feminism
Explanation: Education for TGT.
Which work uses elegiac imagery?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: Mourning for NET.
What is the tone of Ulysses?
A) Defiant B) Tragic C) Comedic D) Pastoral
Answer: A) Defiant
Explanation: Ambition for SET.
Which work features nature imagery?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Victorian theme for NET.
Which era shaped Tennyson’s works?
A) Victorian B) Romantic C) Elizabethan D) Modern
Answer: A) Victorian
Explanation: 1830–1900 for UPSC.
What was the primary context of The Charge of the Light Brigade?
A) Crimean War B) Industrial Revolution C) Napoleonic Wars D) World War I
Answer: A) Crimean War
Explanation: 1854 battle for NET.
Which monarch ruled during Tennyson’s career?
A) Victoria I B) George III C) Charles II D) James I
Answer: A) Victoria I
Explanation: Victorian era for SET.
What historical event influenced In Memoriam A.H.H.?
A) Arthur Hallam’s death B) Crimean War C) Industrial Revolution D) All of the above
Answer: A) Arthur Hallam’s death
Explanation: Personal loss for DUET.
Which event shaped The Charge of the Light Brigade?
A) Battle of Balaclava B) Industrial Revolution C) Reform Act D) Napoleonic Wars
Answer: A) Battle of Balaclava
Explanation: Crimean War for NET.
What social movement influenced Tennyson?
A) Chartism B) Feudalism C) Imperialism D) Puritanism
Answer: A) Chartism
Explanation: Social reform for UPSC.
Which social issue affected Tennyson’s era?
A) Industrialization B) Religious wars C) Colonial wars D) None
Answer: A) Industrialization
Explanation: Progress for JNUET.
What social issue is reflected in Locksley Hall?
A) Progress B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Progress
Explanation: Technology for SET.
Which war influenced Tennyson’s poetry?
A) Crimean War B) English Civil War C) World War I D) None
Answer: A) Crimean War
Explanation: Heroism for PGT.
What political structure shaped Tennyson’s works?
A) Monarchy B) Republic C) Democracy D) Feudalism
Answer: A) Monarchy
Explanation: Victorian era for NET.
Which source inspired Idylls of the King?
A) Malory B) Ovid C) Bible D) Dante
Answer: A) Malory
Explanation: Arthurian legend for SET.
What social issue is reflected in The Princess?
A) Gender Equality B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Gender Equality
Explanation: Education for JNUET.
Which event affected Tennyson’s era?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Black Death C) Great Fire D) None
Answer: A) Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Social change for NET.
What influenced Tennyson’s conservative views?
A) Victorian Values B) French Revolution C) Roman law D) All of the above
Answer: A) Victorian Values
Explanation: Stability for DUET.
Which event shaped Tears, Idle Tears?
A) Personal Loss B) Crimean War C) Industrial Revolution D) Reform Act
Answer: A) Personal Loss
Explanation: Nostalgia for TGT.
What was the role of the Victorian press in Tennyson’s era?
A) Public Opinion B) Censorship C) Military D) Trade
Answer: A) Public Opinion
Explanation: Shaped fame for NET.
Which monarch succeeded Victoria I?
A) Edward VII B) George V C) Charles III D) James II
Answer: A) Edward VII
Explanation: Post-Tennyson for SET.
What economic change affected Tennyson’s audience?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Mercantilism C) Enclosure D) None
Answer: A) Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Progress for UPSC.
Which event promoted Tennyson’s works?
A) Royal Patronage B) Illness C) Death D) All of the above
Explanation: Queen Victoria’s support for NET.
What was the impact of the Crimean War on Tennyson?
A) Inspired Poetry B) Exile C) Wealth D) None
Answer: A) Inspired Poetry
Explanation: The Charge for SET.
Which institution shaped Tennyson’s education?
A) Cambridge B) Oxford C) Eton D) All of the above
Answer: A) Cambridge
Explanation: Trinity College for JNUET.
What was the role of railway expansion in Tennyson’s era?
A) Connectivity B) Censorship C) Military D) Education
Answer: A) Connectivity
Explanation: Industrial progress for NET.
Which trade influenced Tennyson’s works?
A) Colonial Trade B) Silk Road C) Spice Trade D) None
Answer: A) Colonial Trade
Explanation: Empire’s reach for SET.
Which event shaped Tennyson’s elegies?
A) Arthur Hallam’s Death B) Industrial Revolution C) Crimean War D) All of the above
Answer: A) Arthur Hallam’s Death
Explanation: In Memoriam for JNUET.
Which event influenced Locksley Hall?
A) Industrial Progress B) Crimean War C) Arthurian Revival D) Napoleonic Wars
Answer: A) Industrial Progress
Explanation: Technology for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its elegiac structure?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: Cantos for NET.
Which work is studied for its heroic themes?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) In Memoriam C) Tithonus D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Duty for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its dramatic monologue?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Heroic voice for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its Arthurian themes?
A) Idylls of the King B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Chivalry for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its feminist themes?
A) The Princess B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) The Princess
Explanation: Gender roles for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its existential themes?
A) Tithonus B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Tithonus
Explanation: Immortality for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its use of imagery?
A) The Lady of Shalott B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Vivid pictures for NET.
Which work explores psychological depth?
A) Maud B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) Maud
Explanation: Madness for DUET.
Which work is analyzed for its spiritual themes?
A) Crossing the Bar B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Crossing the Bar
Explanation: Faith for UPSC.
Which work is studied for its lament structure?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Break, Break, Break
Explanation: Grief for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its war critique?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: Sacrifice for PGT.
Which work uses mythological allegory?
A) Tithonus B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Greek myths for JNUET.
Which work explores social progress?
A) Locksley Hall B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Locksley Hall
Explanation: Technology for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its romantic imagery?
A) The Lady of Shalott B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam D) Tithonus
Answer: A) The Lady of Shalott
Explanation: Camelot for CTET.
Which work is studied for its heroic resolve?
A) Ulysses B) In Memoriam C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Ambition for PGT.
Which work is analyzed for its use of irony?
A) The Charge of the Light Brigade B) In Memoriam A.H.H. C) Ulysses D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Explanation: The contrast between heroic duty and tragic loss highlights irony for NET.
Which work is studied for its ecological themes?
A) Break, Break, Break B) Ulysses C) Idylls of the King D) The Charge of the Light Brigade
Answer: A) Break, Break, Break
Explanation: Nature’s indifference reflects ecological awareness for JNUET.
Which work is analyzed for its autobiographical elements?
A) In Memoriam A.H.H. B) The Charge of the Light Brigade C) The Princess D) Tithonus
Answer: A) In Memoriam A.H.H.
Explanation: Tennyson’s grief for Hallam mirrors personal loss for SET.
Which work is studied for its influence on modern poetry?
A) Ulysses B) The Charge of the Light Brigade C) Maud D) The Lady of Shalott
Answer: A) Ulysses
Explanation: Its defiant tone inspired modernist poets for DUET.
Which work is analyzed for its anti-war themes?
A) Maud B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam A.H.H. D) Idylls of the King
Answer: A) Maud
Explanation: Critiques war’s psychological toll for NET.
Which work is studied for its narrative structure?
A) The Lady of Shalott B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam A.H.H. D) Crossing the Bar
Answer: A) The Lady of Shalott
Explanation: Its tragic arc is analyzed for PGT.
Which work is analyzed for its moral complexity?
A) Idylls of the King B) Ulysses C) The Charge of the Light Brigade D) Tithonus
Answer: A) Idylls of the King
Explanation: Arthurian morality is debated for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its use of symbolism?
A) Crossing the Bar B) Ulysses C) In Memoriam A.H.H. D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Symbolic imagery is key for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its philosophical depth?
A) Tithonus B) The Charge of the Light Brigade C) The Lady of Shalott D) Maud
Answer: A) Tithonus
Explanation: Immortality’s despair is studied for SET.

Conclusion

Alfred Tennyson, the Victorian poet laureate, with timeless lines like “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield” and “Theirs not to reason why,” remains a cornerstone of English literature. His exploration of grief, heroism, and progress in works like In Memoriam A.H.H., Ulysses, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Idylls of the King is essential for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL aspirants. With 11 iconic quotes, including new ones like “Hope smiles from the threshold,” and 150 MCQs covering biography, works, themes, context, and critical analysis, this guide is your key to mastering Tennyson for exam success. Study Tennyson to excel in your English literature exams!

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ALFRED TENNYSON: BIOGRAPHY, WORKS, QUOTES, AND 150 MCQS FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS