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General Introduction
"Ulysses," written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in 1833, is a dramatic monologue that captures the restless spirit and undying resolve of the aging Greek hero, Ulysses (known as Odysseus in Greek mythology). Set after the events of Homer's "Odyssey," this poem reflects Ulysses' desire to break free from the mundane responsibilities of ruling Ithaca and embark on new adventures. The poem delves into themes of heroism, the quest for knowledge, and the human spirit's refusal to surrender to time and fate.
Title
The title "Ulysses" signifies the central figure of the poem, representing the legendary hero known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and unquenchable thirst for exploration. Ulysses' name sets the tone for a narrative steeped in mythological grandeur and personal introspection.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
1. First Stanza:
Ulysses reflects on the futility of his current life as an "idle king" confined to domesticity and governance among "barren crags" and an "aged wife." He laments the monotony and the perceived unworthiness of ruling a "savage race" that does not truly know him. This stanza establishes his dissatisfaction and yearning for the vibrancy of his past adventures.
Quotes:
"It little profits that an idle king,"
"I cannot rest from travel: I will drink / Life to the lees."
2. Second Stanza:
Ulysses recounts his past glories, emphasizing his insatiable desire for knowledge and experience. He has roamed with a "hungry heart," experiencing various cultures, councils, and battles. This stanza underscores his identity as a hero shaped by his experiences and adventures.
Quotes:
"I am a part of all that I have met;"
"How dull it is to pause, to make an end, / To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!"
3. Third Stanza:
Ulysses contrasts his own restless spirit with the more measured and dutiful nature of his son, Telemachus, who will inherit the throne. Telemachus is portrayed as a figure of prudence and domestic virtue, wellsuited to govern Ithaca and carry out the "common duties" that Ulysses finds stifling.
Quotes:
"This is my son, mine own Telemachus,"
"He works his work, I mine."
4. Fourth Stanza:
Ulysses rouses his old mariners to join him in one final voyage. Despite their age, he believes there is still time to achieve "some work of noble note." The call to "seek a newer world" and strive beyond their present limits embodies the poem's themes of persistence and the heroic spirit.
Quotes:
"Come, my friends, / 'T is not too late to seek a newer world."
"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Themes
1. The Pursuit of Knowledge and Adventure:
Ulysses' relentless desire to explore and gain new experiences highlights the human quest for knowledge and the longing for adventure.
Quote: "To follow knowledge like a sinking star, / Beyond the utmost bound of human thought."
2. Restlessness and Discontent:
Ulysses is discontent with the static life of a king, yearning for the excitement and challenges of his past voyages.
Quote: "How dull it is to pause, to make an end, / To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!"
3. Heroism and the Human Spirit:
The poem celebrates the resilience and indomitable spirit of heroes who continue to strive and seek despite the passage of time.
Quote: "Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will / To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
4. The Inevitability of Aging and Death:
While acknowledging the inevitable decline brought by aging, Ulysses refuses to succumb passively, seeking meaning and action until the end.
Quote: "Death closes all: but something ere the end, / Some work of noble note, may yet be done."
5. Legacy and Succession:
Ulysses contrasts his own heroic aspirations with the steady, domestic virtues of his son, Telemachus, who will continue his legacy in governance.
Quote: "When I am gone. He works his work, I mine."
Structure and Form
"Ulysses" is composed in blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. This form lends a rhythmic and formal quality to the poem, fitting its grand themes and dramatic monologue style. The poem's four stanzas vary in length, with the first and fourth stanzas being significantly longer, reflecting Ulysses' expansive thoughts and desires.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor:
Ulysses uses metaphors to describe his unquenchable thirst for life and knowledge, comparing experience to "an arch wherethro' / Gleams that untravell'd world."
Quote: "Life to the lees."
2. Simile:
Ulysses likens his pursuit of knowledge to following a "sinking star," suggesting an endless and elusive quest.
Quote: "To follow knowledge like a sinking star, / Beyond the utmost bound of human thought."
3. Alliteration:
Tennyson employs alliteration to enhance the musicality of the verse and emphasize certain themes or emotions.
Quote: "Some work of noble note, may yet be done."
4. Personification:
Ulysses personifies concepts such as "Life" and "Death," giving them human attributes to underscore his struggles and aspirations.
Quote: "Life piled on life / Were all too little."
5. Imagery:
Vivid imagery evokes the adventurous spirit of Ulysses' past and the boundless possibilities he yearns for.
Quote: "There gloom the dark, broad seas."
6. Repetition:
The repetition of phrases like "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" reinforces Ulysses' unwavering determination.
Quote: "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Language and Diction
Tennyson's language in "Ulysses" is elevated and formal, befitting the grandeur and dignity of the poem's subject. The diction reflects Ulysses' heroic stature and his lofty aspirations. Words like "gleams," "lees," and "strive" convey a sense of nobility and the ceaseless quest for meaning.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is reflective and aspirational, marked by a sense of yearning and restlessness. The tone is resolute and heroic, as Ulysses articulates his refusal to be confined by old age or the limitations of his role as king. Despite acknowledging the inevitability of death, the tone remains uplifting and determined.
Context
"Ulysses" was written in the early Victorian era, a time of rapid change and expansion in Britain. Tennyson's poem can be seen as reflecting the era's spirit of exploration and the tension between tradition and progress. The poem also resonates with Tennyson's personal grief over the death of his friend Arthur Hallam, echoing themes of loss and the search for purpose in the face of mortality.
Conclusion
"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is a powerful exploration of the human spirit's relentless pursuit of knowledge and adventure. Through the character of Ulysses, Tennyson delves into themes of heroism, the passage of time, and the desire to transcend the ordinary confines of life. The poem's rich language, formal structure, and resonant themes make it a timeless reflection on the quest for meaning and the enduring drive to "strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
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