Through the form of a dramatic monologue, Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem, “Ulysses,” reveals the character of Ulysses to be one of selfishness and egotism. Ulysses reveals these characteristics about himself unintentionally as he reminisces about his past glory, and contemplates a new journey to, “shine in use!” (23). His wish to experience another adventure instead of remaining at home as king demonstrates his lack of consideration for his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, and indicates his obsession with his own self-interests.
Ulysses’ distaste with remaining at home is evident immediately from the first line of the poem, “It little profits that an idle king.”(1) He does not wish to be sitting idly on the throne, when he could, “follow knowledge like a sinking star.”(31). He also indicates his aversion to partaking in the government matters of his civilians, stating, “I mete and dole/ Unequal laws.”(3-4) Ulysses also shows that he does not respect his subjects, calling them, “a savage race/ That hoard, and sleep.”(4-5) He feels that hoarding and resting is beneath him, and shows this later in the poem by saying, “and vile it were/ For some three suns to store and hoard myself.”(28-39) Ulysses feels tha

Ulysses’ egotism and lack of dedication to his family is further shown when he talks about his son Telemachus. He missed the maturation of his son while he was away on his journeys, so it could be expected for him to dedicate some time to him now. Ulysses, however, would much rather, “sail beyond the sunset.”(60) He does offer more kind words to his son then he does to his wife, stating that he will leave the throne to him since he will be, “decent not to fail/ In offices of tenderness.”(40-41). Referring to Telemachus, however, he also says, “He does his work, I mine.”(43) This is a patronizing attitude he possesses towards his son, as though being king is beneath him, but fine for his son. He believes it makes more sense for Telemachus to sit idly on the throne and for him to travel the world then vice versa. He does not stop to contemplate whether his son should have the same opportunity to journey as he did. This clearly indicates Ulysses’ selfishness as he passes down a job he does not want, so that he may pursue his own interests.

s that he is different from his fellow inhabitants of the island and does not belong among them since they, “know not me.