In Memoriam A.H.H is a poem by the British poet Lord Tennyson published in 1850
Summary :
Prologue
The poem's speaker addresses the Christian figure of the Son of God. He declares his faith in God despite a lack of evidence. The speaker then expresses hope that humanity will grow in both knowledge and reverence for the Divine
Grief (Cantos 1–2
After the death of his best friend Arthur Henry Hallam, the speaker gives in to sorrow and sleep. His writing seems like a feeble antidote for despair. Awaiting the ship bringing Hallam's body home, the speaker struggles with strong and often contradictory emotions. He imagines himself as a piper in a pastoral elegy recalling the friends' joyful times together. Despite his anguish, he wants to prove his love will outlast time
Doubt and Despair (Cantos 28–7
The family's Christmas celebration is shadowed by grief. The speaker imagines the superior celestial form his friend occupies in eternity. He wonders if he and Hallam will communicate again and what their reunion will be like. Contemplating humanity's fate as a biological species bound for extinction, the speaker struggles to believe in a higher purpose for mankind
Rising Hope (Cantos 78–10
A second Christmas holiday is somber but more hopeful. Slowly the speaker sees the wisdom and insight his sorrow has given him. Though doubt and fear still linger, Hallam's memory brings comfort and consolation. One night during a memorable trance, the speaker feels connected to a larger divine spirit. He later prepares to move to a new home with his family, leaving the places he shared with Hallam behind
Final Affirmation (Cantos 104–13
The family holds a solemn Christmas celebration honoring Hallam. As bells ring in the New Year, the speaker looks forward to renewed joy and progress for all mankind. He describes Hallam as a brilliant, kindhearted man who sought wisdom as well as knowledge. Since Hallam is now "mix'd with God and Nature," the speaker loves and reveres his friend even more
Looking to the future, the speaker renews his faith in a divine plan for human existence. He encourages humanity to grow wiser and noble
Epilogue
Nine years after Hallam's death, the speaker attends the wedding of his sister Cecilia. The celebration is full of joy. The speaker says his love for Hallam and his own faith have grown over the years. He anticipates that the superior descendants of the human race will have
