The Vision of Sir Launfal

“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.