In Memoriam – “Ring out, wild bells”
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 it die.Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let it 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 the 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.
Understanding “Ring out, wild bells”
Tennyson’s “Ring out, wild bells” is a celebratory yet reflective poem, originally part of his larger elegy, In Memoriam A.H.H., written in memory of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. While steeped in personal grief, this particular section transcends the strictly personal and becomes a powerful invocation for positive change. The poem isn’t simply about bidding farewell to the old year; it’s a sweeping call to release all that hinders human progress and embrace a more hopeful future. It asks us to consider what societal and personal burdens we can leave behind to make way for a better tomorrow.
The poem’s central idea revolves around the cyclical nature of time and the potential for renewal. Tennyson uses the image of ringing bells as a symbol of both ending and beginning, encouraging a simultaneous acknowledgement of loss and an optimistic outlook toward the future. The poem’s lasting power lies in its ability to resonate with universal human experiences of loss, hope, and the desire for a more just and peaceful world.
A Deeper Dive: Analyzing the Poem
The Power of Repetition and Structure
The most immediately striking feature of the poem is the consistent use of the imperative “Ring out” and “Ring in.” This anaphora, or repetition at the beginning of successive clauses, creates a musical effect, mimicking the sound of bells, but more importantly, it reinforces the core theme of transformation. Each “Ring out” acts as a dismissal, a conscious decision to release something negative, while each “Ring in” is an embrace of something positive. Consider the opening lines: “Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, / The flying cloud, the frosty light.” Here, the bells don’t just signify the end of the year; they signal a broader letting go of the transient and fleeting aspects of life.
Imagery and Symbolism
Tennyson masterfully employs imagery to convey complex ideas. The “wild bells” themselves are symbolic. Bells traditionally announce events—births, deaths, celebrations—and their “wild” quality suggests a passionate and unrestrained call for change. The poem is filled with opposing forces. Take, for instance, “Ring out the false, ring in the true.” This antithesis, or contrast of ideas, is a key rhetorical device throughout the poem. It clearly delineates what is being discarded and what is being welcomed. Similarly, the line “Ring out the want, the care, the sin” isn’t merely a list of negative things; it represents the collective burdens that weigh down humanity. The poet doesn’t just want to erase these things from the year, but from society itself.
Exploring Poetic Devices
- Alliteration: Tennyson frequently uses alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create musicality and emphasis. “Frosty, flying” in the opening stanza is a prime example, drawing attention to the imagery and echoing the chime‑like quality of bells.
- Personification: Tennyson gives human qualities to abstract concepts. The “year is dying in the night,” a personification, reinforces the idea of time as a living entity that experiences birth and death.
- Metaphor: The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor, with the ringing of bells representing the process of change and renewal. “Ring in the Christ that is to be” isn’t a literal call for the arrival of Christ but a metaphorical plea for the realization of spiritual and moral ideals.
- Meter and Rhyme: The poem predominantly follows an ABAB rhyme scheme and a fairly regular meter. This creates a sense of order and control, even as the poem addresses complex and chaotic themes. The consistent structure provides a soothing rhythm reminiscent of a hymn or carol.
Social Commentary and Universal Themes
“Ring out, wild bells” transcends personal grief to offer a commentary on societal issues. Lines such as “Ring out the feud of rich and poor, / Ring in redress to all mankind” and “Ring out false pride in place and blood” reveal a concern for social justice and equality. Tennyson critiques the class divisions and prejudices of Victorian society, advocating for a more equitable world. However, the poem’s message is not limited to a specific historical context. The desire for peace, justice, and spiritual growth are universal human aspirations that resonate across cultures and generations. “Ring out the thousand wars of old, / Ring in the thousand years of peace” remains a poignant and hopeful plea in a world still plagued by conflict.
Why This Poem Still Matters
“Ring out, wild bells” isn’t just a beautiful poem; it’s a powerful reminder of our capacity for change and renewal. It encourages us to critically examine our own lives and the society around us, to identify what holds us back, and to embrace the possibilities of a brighter future. It is a poem that invites self reflection and encourages us to be active participants in creating a more just, peaceful, and meaningful world. When you read these lines, consider what “bells” you might ring out in your own life – what habits, beliefs, or patterns no longer serve you, and what new possibilities you might ring in.