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James Russell LowellThe Vision of Sir Launfal
Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1848A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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Related Poems
“Sir Galahad” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1842)
Lowell himself refers to this poem in his notes on “The Vision of Sir Launfal.” Tennyson’s poem narrates the quest of one of the Arthurian Knights to find the Holy Grail.
“The Search” by James Russell Lowell (1843)
This is one of Lowell’s earlier poems and contains the germ of “The Vision of Sir Launfal.” It depicts a search for Christ through nature, then wealth, and finally humility.
“The First Snowfall” by James Russell Lowell (1847)
This is another of Lowell’s poems set in nature. The detailed images of the natural world serve as a setting for his sorrow at the death of his daughter. The poem expresses Lowell’s belief in human connection with nature.
“Under the Willows” by James Russell Lowell (1841)
This is another poem by Lowell addressing a month in the year. Here the month is May. The poem differs from “The Vision of Sir Launfal” in that May does not sit firmly in one or another season but on the brink between winter and summer.
Further Literary Resources
“The Vision of Sir Launfal” and Other Poems by Project Gutenberg (1908)
This very comprehensive document contains the full version of “The Vision of Sir Launfal” as well as other poems by Lowell. It also contains detailed notes and interpretations of the poems and background information on Lowell. It was published in 1908.
“A Brief Guide to Romanticism” by Poets.org
A brief introduction to the Romantic Poetry Movement with which Lowell was affiliated.
“A Brief Guide to the Fireside Poets” by Poets.org
A brief introduction to the Fireside poets of which Lowell is considered a member.
