The Madness of Lord Tennyson.

The article focuses on Alfred, Lord Tennyson, highlighting his complex character and the impact of contemporary scientific ideas on his poetry, particularly in Richard Holmes's book, *The Boundless Deep: Young Tennyson, Science, and the Crisis of Belief*. Tennyson, who became poet laureate in 1850, is portrayed as a troubled genius grappling with themes of madness, obsession, and existential despair, especially in his poem "Maud." Despite initial negative reviews, "Maud" is later appreciated for its psychological depth and modernity, reflecting Tennyson's struggles with his family's mental health issues and his engagement with the scientific discourse of his time. The article emphasizes Tennyson's unique position as a precursor to modern literary themes, illustrating his profound connection to both personal and universal crises of belief. [Extracted from the article]