Personal Connection:
The use of "I" indicates that the speaker is directly involved in the poem and has a personal connection to the subject matter. The speaker is not an external observer but rather someone who is intimately affected by the events or emotions described in the poem.
Mourner and Friend:
The "I" in the poem is often associated with the speaker's role as a mourner, grieving the loss of a close friend or relative. Tennyson wrote "In Memoriam A. H." in response to the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam, and the use of "I" conveys the speaker's personal experience of grief and loss.
Expression of Emotions:
Through the use of "I," the speaker shares their innermost thoughts, feelings, and reflections. The poem explores a range of emotions, including sorrow, doubt, faith, and ultimately, a search for meaning and consolation in the face of death.
Dialogue with the Reader:
The use of "I" creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. It invites the reader to connect with the speaker's emotions and thoughts, and to reflect on their own experiences of loss, grief, and the search for meaning.
The speaker, through the use of "I," becomes a representative voice, expressing universal human emotions and experiences that resonate with readers facing similar challenges and profound questions about life and death.