'Princess' Summary

The Princess, a serio-comic narrative poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, was published in 1847. It tells the story of Princess Ida, who forswears the world of men and founds a women's university where men are forbidden to enter. The prince to whom she was betrothed in infancy, along with two friends, disguises himself as a woman and enters the university. They are discovered and flee, but eventually, they fight a battle for the princess's hand. The Princess explores themes of gender roles, education, and the nature of love. Tennyson's vivid imagery and lyrical language make the poem a classic work of English literature.