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Tithonus
Aurora is a Roman Goddess of Dawn, Eos in Greek mythology. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman who heralds (announces) the coming of the sun each morning, bringing light to the world. In Roman mythology, Aurora is known as the goddess of the dawn and is also associated with the renewal of life and the start of new beginnings. She is typically depicted as radiant and youthful, symbolizing the beauty and vitality of the dawn. In Tennyson's poem "Tithonus," Aurora is portrayed as a divine being who grants immortality (Zeus) to the mortal Tithonus, leading to his eventual suffering and longing for release from his eternal existence.
Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn, equivalent to the Greek goddess Eos. Her role is to announce the coming of the sun each morning.
The sun is the celestial body that provides light and warmth during the day. In Roman mythology, Sol is the personification of the sun, while in Greek mythology, Helios is the god who drives the chariot of the sun across the sky.
"Tithonus" is a mortal prince of Troy . The poem is a dramatic monologue, a form of poetry where a single speaker addresses a silent listener or audience, revealing their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Tithonus is often described as exceptionally handsome. His physical beauty could easily attract a goddess known for her association with beauty and renewal.
THE POEM TALKS ABOUT FUTILITY AND SUFFERING WITH ETERNAL LOVE.
TEACHERS NOTES
Tithonus, beloved by Aurora, the goddess of dawn, was granted immortality at his request. Enamored by Aurora's beauty and wanting to be with her forever, Tithonus asked for eternal life. Aurora, with a smile, granted his wish, much like a wealthy person who gives without thought. However, Tithonus soon realized that he had only been given eternal life, not eternal youth. As time passed, he continued to age, becoming a withered, old shadow of his former self. While Aurora remained forever youthful and vibrant, Tithonus experienced the relentless decay of his body, leading to immense suffering and isolation. His immortality, instead of being a blessing, turned into a curse, as he longed for the natural release of death to escape his endless torment.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson chose Aurora (Eos in Greek mythology) and Tithonus in his poem "Tithonus" due to their rich mythological background, which adds depth to the themes he explores.
Mythological Reference:
1. Aurora (Eos): Aurora is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Eos, the goddess of dawn. In mythology, she is known for her beauty and eternal youth. Her role as the bringer of dawn symbolizes renewal and immortality.
2. Tithonus: Tithonus was a mortal prince of Troy, beloved by Aurora. In the myth, Aurora asked Zeus to grant Tithonus immortality so they could be together forever. However, she forgot to ask for eternal youth, leading to Tithonus aging eternally without dying. This oversight caused Tithonus to suffer perpetual old age and deterioration, a poignant outcome that explores the unintended consequences of immortality.
Reason for Choosing These Figures:
1. Exploration of Themes: The myth of Tithonus and Aurora perfectly illustrates the themes of the poem: the passage of time, the consequences of immortality, and the contrast between eternal beauty and inevitable decay. Tithonus's story provides a powerful narrative to delve into these complex ideas.
2. Emotional Impact: Using these mythological characters allows Tennyson to evoke a strong emotional response from readers. The tragic fate of Tithonus, juxtaposed with Aurora's unchanging beauty, creates a poignant and melancholic atmosphere, highlighting the futility and suffering associated with eternal life.
3. Symbolic Meaning: Aurora's role as the goddess of dawn symbolizes new beginnings and the eternal cycle of day and night. By contrasting this with Tithonus's perpetual aging, Tennyson emphasizes the natural order and the importance of mortality in the human experience.
In summary, Tennyson's choice of Aurora and Tithonus in the poem "Tithonus" is rooted in their mythological significance and the thematic richness their story brings, allowing him to effectively explore the profound implications of immortality and the human condition.
Here are the lines from the poem "Tithonus" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson where the beauty of Aurora is described, along with explanations of how her beauty is depicted:
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