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While The Tempest reveals of Prospero's discoveries and transformation, Ulysses explores how the discoveries that lead to a transformation can broaden an individual understanding of themselves and the world. Ulysses attests that through his journey of discovery, he has evolved as an individual and as a corollary he opens avenues to not only physical, but also intellectual discoveries, leading to greater 'knowledge'. Thus, Tennyson through mythological allusion suggests that Ulysses may even "touch the Happy isles" and "see the Great Achilles"; alluding not only to the Elysian Fields (Greek mythology heaven) but also the complete spiritual fulfilment attained through his fresh and meaningful journey. This is furthered as Ulysses reflects, " I'm a part of everything I have met", reaffirming how like Prospero, his existence and identity has been shaped through his experiences. Moreover, readers are presented the negative ramifications of a discovery through Ulysses as opposed to that of Prospero. Ulysses' negatively transformative discovery, is presented through his discontent towards the stagnant kingdom of Ithaca evident through the contrast between Ithaca and its "still hearth" opposed to his memories of his eventful past endeavours cumulatively listed and emphasised with alliteration in, "cities of men and manners, climates, councils, and governments". This effectively captures the transformation of Ulysses, and the notion of how much impact and meaning discoveries can hold. .
It is an intrinsic human desire to seek the unknown, this can be evoked through curiosity and wonder, and in turn, often leading to confronting and provocative discoveries. This is evident through the curious nature of Miranda in, "you have often begun to tell me what I am, but stopped and left me to a bootless inquisition, concluding, "stay.