Enoch Arden
📘 About This Book
Alfred Tennyson: Enoch Arden Erstdruck in: Enoch Arden, and Other Poems, London (Edward Moxon) 1864. Hier in der Übers. v. Adolf Strodtmann. Neuausgabe mit einer Biographie des Autors. Herausgegeben von Karl-Maria Guth. Berlin 2018. Textgrundlage ist die Ausgabe: Tennyson, Alfred: Enoch Arden. Übers. v. Adolf Strodtmann, Berlin: G. Grote'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, 1922. Die Paginierung obiger Ausgabe wird in dieser Neuausgabe als Marginalie zeilengenau mitgeführt. Umschlaggestaltung von Thomas Schultz-Overhage unter Verwendung des Bildes: George Goodwin Kilburne, Enoch Arden, 1924. Gesetzt aus der Minion Pro, 12.1 pt.
📖 Summary
Enoch Arden is a poignant narrative poem by the celebrated Victorian author Alfred Lord Tennyson, first brought to the public in the nineteenth century and preserved through subsequent historical editions, including a 2018 German-language edition edited by Karl-Maria Guth that incorporates biographical elements of the author. The poetic work tells a tale of profound human endurance, deep emotional sacrifice, and the complexities of duty and domestic life. The narrative centers on humble characters navigating extraordinary circumstances, capturing the melancholic atmosphere that characterized much of Tennyson's later poetry. Within its modest page count, the text explores how individuals face separation, longing, and the difficult choices forced upon them by fate and societal expectations. Readers are drawn into a world where personal desires must often be weighed against the well-being of loved ones, creating a timeless meditation on love and selflessness. The 2018 edition provides modern readers with a bridge to the past, featuring textual foundations from classic translations and historical pagination notes alongside a biographical look at Tennyson himself. Through its rhythmic cadence and evocative imagery, the poem reflects the Victorian fascination with morality, emotional fortitude, and the unpredictable nature of human destiny. Whether viewed as a domestic tragedy or a study in noble resignation, Enoch Arden remains a significant piece of poetic storytelling that rewards close reading and contemplation. The inclusion of supplementary biographical details in the modern reissue enhances the reading experience by contextualizing the author's creative output within his broader literary career, making the volume a comprehensive entry point for those exploring nineteenth-century verse.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and emotionally resonant narrative verse by a master poet
Valuable historical context and author biography included in the 2018 edition
Concise format allows for a quick yet impactful reading experience
Thought-provoking exploration of moral duty and selflessness
⚠️ Cons
The poetic format may not appeal to readers who exclusively prefer prose
Melancholic themes might feel heavy for some audiences
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Enoch Arden? +
The poem was written by the Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.
When was Enoch Arden originally published? +
It was first published in London in 1864 as part of the collection Enoch Arden, and Other Poems.
What is the format of the 2018 edition? +
The 2018 edition is a 42-page reissue edited by Karl-Maria Guth, featuring biographical material and historical translation notes.
What genre does this book belong to? +
It belongs to the genre of poetry.
What are the main themes of the work? +
The work explores themes of sacrifice, love, emotional endurance, and the consequences of fate.
