Blog #3

Crossing the Bar by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

This poems reveals the author's hope for a peaceful death when he departs. He wish for "no moaning of the bar" or "no sadness of farewell" (Alfref, Lord Tennyson, 886), revealing how the author doesn't wish for people to be upset and cry when he dies. The idea of crossing the bar is symbolism for crossing over into the next life. The author speaks about returning home, which I interpreted as heaven. He wishes to see "my Polite  face to face"(Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 886). I think the Polite most clearly represents God. The author wishes to meet the spirit that has guided him throughout his life. The use of the world polite reveals that he looks at this spirit as a leader and guide, such as polite who directs an airplane. The author uses the phrases "Sunset and evening star" and "Twilight and evening bell"(Alfref, Lord Tennyson, 886). These two phrases create the imagine of light turning to darkness. The light represents life, whereas the following darkness represents death. Similar to other phrases expressed in the poem, these two quotes are used to show the passing from life to death