At the time Tennyson was writing Maud, he was intere- sted in the literature of the orient ; he was actually studying Persian language and discussed Oriental literature with Orient- alisits such as: Fitzgerald and Edward B. Cowel.l Maud, is written in a simple, Condensed style, in which the unfolding of the plot is controlled by the development of the hero's character. This poem marks a further stage in Tenny- son's treatment of Oriental material; it reflects his skill in employing Oriental plots, imagery and narrative details for expressing political, social and psychological problems. The passionate and energetic character of the heroine illustrates two points : the Oriental influence and the contemporary problem of women's position in society