"Ring Out, Wild Bells" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

 Ring Out, Wild Bells

by Alfred, Lord 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.

Summary,

"Ring Out, Wild Bells" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is a powerful and hopeful poem that calls for renewal and transformation, both personal and societal, at the turning of the year. Part of Tennyson’s larger work, In Memoriam A.H.H., which mourns the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam, this particular poem moves beyond personal grief to encompass a broader vision of human progress. It uses the imagery of bells ringing on New Year’s Eve as a symbolic call to leave behind the negative aspects of the past and embrace a future filled with hope, truth, and moral improvement.

The poem begins with the dramatic image of “wild bells” ringing out to the “wild sky,” setting a tone of urgency and change. Tennyson evokes the transition from the old year to the new, highlighting the natural passage of time as an opportunity to shed the burdens of the past. This ringing out of the old and ringing in of the new symbolizes not just the end of a calendar year, but a deeper, metaphorical cleansing of outdated thoughts, behaviors, and societal ills.

In the following stanzas, Tennyson’s focus broadens as he urges the dismissal of grief, social division, and entrenched injustices. He calls for the end of “the feud of rich and poor” and for the establishment of fairness and redress for all. These lines reflect Tennyson’s hope for a more just and compassionate society, one where empathy and understanding can bridge the divides that separate people. This vision is especially poignant given the backdrop of Victorian England, a time marked by significant social and economic changes.

As the poem progresses, Tennyson expands on the idea of societal renewal, calling for an end to “ancient forms of party strife” and advocating for “nobler modes of life” and “purer laws.” He critiques the persistence of political conflicts and outdated ideologies that hinder human progress. The ringing of the bells becomes a metaphor for the desire to transcend petty divisions and to aspire towards higher, more ethical ways of living. Tennyson’s plea is not just for political change, but for a deeper moral evolution in human behavior.

Tennyson’s appeals are not limited to society at large; he also addresses personal shortcomings and emotional struggles. He urges the ringing out of personal faults such as “want, care, and sin” and even asks for his own “mournful rhymes” to be replaced with fuller, more uplifting expressions of life. This reflects a desire for personal growth, as he encourages individuals to let go of their grief, mistakes, and anxieties, and to welcome a more positive, hopeful mindset.

The latter part of the poem calls for the removal of false pride, greed, and civic discord, asking instead for the embrace of truth, right, and the “common love of good.” Tennyson envisions a world where the destructive impulses of pride and materialism are replaced with integrity, justice, and collective well-being. He imagines a future free from the “narrowing lust of gold” and the “thousand wars of old,” longing for an era characterized by peace and mutual respect.

Throughout the poem, Tennyson addresses both personal grief and broader societal issues, such as social inequality, political strife, and moral decay. He envisions a future marked by compassion, peace, and nobler values, emphasizing the importance of letting go of outdated and harmful practices. The poem's hopeful and resolute tone serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals and society to strive for a better, more harmonious world.

"Ring Out, Wild Bells" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson , themes:

1. Renewal and Transformation: The poem is fundamentally about the transition from one year to the next, symbolizing the broader concept of renewal. Tennyson calls for the end of the old and the welcoming of the new, reflecting a desire for personal and societal transformation. The ringing bells symbolize this change, marking a fresh start and the potential for improvement.

2. Hope and Optimism: Tennyson expresses a hopeful vision for the future. The poem’s call to “ring in the new” reflects an optimistic outlook, advocating for a future that is better and more just than the past. This theme underscores the belief in human potential for progress and the possibility of a brighter future.

3. Social Justice and Reform: The poem addresses various societal issues, including the divisions between rich and poor, political strife, and injustice. Tennyson advocates for social reform, calling for the end of these ills and the introduction of fairness and equity. He envisions a world where social and economic disparities are reduced and where justice prevails.

4. Personal and Collective Grief: Reflecting on personal loss and mourning, Tennyson acknowledges the grief that accompanies the passing of time and the end of the year. He uses this personal sorrow as a backdrop to a broader call for overcoming collective grief and moving towards healing and renewal.

5. Moral and Spiritual Improvement: Tennyson emphasizes the need for moral and spiritual growth, urging a move away from false pride, greed, and sin. He calls for a more virtuous and kind-hearted society, reflecting his desire for spiritual and ethical improvement.