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 that he is different from his fellow inhabitants of the island and does not belong among them since they, "know not me."(5).
Ulysses" egotism and belief in his own greatness is clearly visible through his recollections about his past adventures. He believes he is greater for having traveled the world and experiencing what he has experienced. Everything that he has been through has shaped him into the man that he is, "I am a part of all that I have met."(18) The line, "As tho" to breathe were life!"(24) indicates that he feels the people around him are not really living life to the fullest, they are just there. Ulysses thinks they should be out exploring the world, gaining knowledge as he did.
Ulysses is a mighty King, who finds him wanting more out of life. ... I feel Ulysses is very admirable for leaving. ... I admire Ulysses admiration for wanting to continue his travels. ... In conclusion I feel Ulysses was an excellent poem. ... "Ulysses." ...
Poetry: Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson In this essay I will focus on the poem Ulysses, which is a dramatic monologue, by Lord Alfred Tennyson. ... In this poem Ulysses is the performer/narrator. Ulysses is the name of an Ancient Greek hero. ... Perhaps he is indicating that Ulysses was not perfect, because in his poem he mentions Ulysses" good and bad traits. ... The poem commences negatively because Ulysses complains. ...
Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses," expresses a powerful message about life and time. ... Ulysses completes this idea by traveling and all his tremendous conquest. ... One can say that the huge amount of determination that Ulysses has to explore is very inspiring. ... ", this line takes Ulysses main focus and summarizes it. As said before Ulysses is a representation of Tennyson's emotion during his darkest time. ...
Ulysses Simpson Grant (1822-1885) Eighteenth president of the United States of America, he was born at Point Pleasant, Ohio and died at New York; he graduated at West Point Military Academy, and participated to some point in the Mexican-American war. ... Ulysses S. ... In the western theater Ulysses S. ... On April 9, 1865, Ulysses S. ... The impact that Ulysses S. ...
Reappearing historically in the poetry of numerous writers, Ulysses is a classical figure. ... Ulysses has uncovered many different people and societies during his travels. ... In the final stanza, Ulysses speaks of the mariners with whom he has traveled. ... Besides themes, there is also much imagery that can be discussed throughout "Ulysses". ... In conclusion, despite the inspiration that Ulysses clearly exhibits, many readers find that the arrogance Ulysses displays towards his subjects, his wife and son damage the inspiration intended. ...
Ulysses By Tennyson Lord Alferd Tennyson presents to us in the poem "Ulysses" an old sailor, a warrior and a king who is in retrospection on his experiences of a lifetime of travel. ... By connecting with Ulysses' courage he awakens the heroic spirit in all of us. At home Ulysses is unable to adjust to old age. ... Ulysses boasts with a sense of superiority in trying to reassure himself. ... Retiring home is an unsatisfying dull life, which is impossible for Ulysses bear. ...
The first half (up to line 32) presents Ulysses' deep frustration. ... In the first section, Ulysses is boldly realistic and truthful about his situation. ... Ulysses' depression thus causes him to be critical towards everybody. ... One sees that life is not a matter of breathing for Ulysses- life is fulfillment. ... This is the turning point for Ulysses. ...
Ulysses This poem Ulysses by Tennyson is a great poem to read. ... This gives a fluid and natural quality to Ulysses" speech. ... Ulysses has a love for his travel and the experiences he gains by his every endeavor. ... Ulysses believes he has gained much happiness and knowledge even in the Trojan War. ... Here the reader can peer into the maverick character of Ulysses and his complete disregard of anything normal and routine. ...
