"The old order changeth, yeilding place to new."

What might the old order represent to Tennyson?

It's whatever came before. Barbaric use of force, perhaps. The new order was, to Tennyson, better. Chivalry, "right makes might," instead of the other way around, etc.

In Tennyson's poem "The Idylls of the King," the phrase "The old order changeth, yielding place to new" suggests the idea of a changing society or the transition from one era to another. The "old order" represents the traditional, established values, beliefs, and institutions of the past. It may signify a rigid social structure, outdated customs, or a way of life that is no longer relevant in the evolving world. Tennyson seems to view this old order as something that needs to give way to new ideas, progress, and a more modern society.

To determine what the old order represents to Tennyson, we can start by analyzing the quote from his poem, "The Passing of Arthur," from which this line is taken. In this poem, Tennyson reflects on the decline and transformation of King Arthur's kingdom. The phrase "The old order changeth, yielding place to new" suggests a shift from the established traditions, values, and societal structures to new ones.

Tennyson's concept of the old order can be seen as symbolizing the traditional, hierarchical system of power, authority, and social order. It represents the established norms, institutions, and ways of life that have been in place for a significant period of time.

To further understand Tennyson's perspective, it can be helpful to consider the historical context in which he wrote. Tennyson lived during the Victorian era when significant changes were happening in British society due to industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of the middle class. These changes brought about shifts in social hierarchies, economic structures, and political power.

In the poem, Tennyson explores the themes of loss, change, and the inevitability of time. The old order represents a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when traditions and values were more stable, but it also signifies the recognition that change is an inherent part of life. Tennyson suggests that the old order must necessarily give way to the new for progress to occur, even if it means the loss of familiar structures and ways of life.