Final answer:
The question of relative innovation between Browning and Tennyson is subjective. Both poets were significant in the Victorian era, with Browning pioneering in dramatic monologue and Tennyson excelling in traditional poetic forms and gaining widespread popularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether Robert Browning was more innovative than Alfred, Lord Tennyson is subjective and depends on one's interpretation of their works. Both poets were important figures of the Victorian era, and they each contributed significantly to the literary canon. While Tennyson was the more well-known figure during their lifetimes, holding the position of Poet Laureate and being renowned for works such as "The Lady of Shalott," Browning's poetry, recognized for its psychological depth and innovative use of dramatic monologue, has also been highly influential.
Both poets innovated in different ways, but if innovation is defined by a deviation from traditional forms and the introduction of new techniques, one might argue that Browning was indeed more innovative. For example, Browning's development and use of dramatic monologue in works like "My Last Duchess" was pioneering. Nevertheless, acclaim and innovation do not always go hand in hand, and while Tennyson may have been less experimental, his mastery of the poetic form and widespread popularity during his lifetime were also marks of his success.