Ulysses Poem by Tennyson- Analysis line by line

 Ulysses by Tennyson - Analysis line by line 

Alfred Lord Tennyson belongs to the Victorian Era which is mostly known for the dramatic monologues of this time. And, Tennyson was one of the major poets belonging to this era. Tennyson’s Ulysses is a dramatic monologue (blank verse), but some take it as just a monologue. We have discussed in detail the features of dramatic monologues in another article. Our today’s discussion will be on Ulysses' poem. The poem was written in 1833 and published in 1842. Before going further to explain the poem, we will take a look at its main idea as well as its theme. 

Ulysses Poem Analysis line by line

What is the main idea of the poem Ulysses? 

Alfred Lord Tennyson has written this poem in memory of his friend’s death, Arthur Henry Hallam. The Character of Ulysses in the poem Ulysses whether is related to his character or his late friend is under the argument of the critics. We should leave this matter to them and discuss more the Ulysses, the poetic persona as well as the speaker of the monologue. 

So, Ulysses is a Greek mythical hero who had taken part in the Trojan War. Being a brave warrior, he had proved his bravery and strength in the war very well. After the war, he returned to his kingdom, Ithaca. Then, after spending some years only sitting on his Royal seat, he became bored. Then some grief comes from his mind which forms this dramatic monologue. 

In the poem, he is found addressed to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. 

Ulysses poem Analysis : (line by line) 

“It little……………………...know not me.” 

From the very first time, Ulysses makes it clear that he is not going through any healthy or superior lifestyle. That’s why ‘idle’ has taken place before his kingship. And he thinks being idle he has become a perfect match to his aged wife. 

Besides this, he makes it clear that here he is engaged to do justice some mean problems regarding laws unto a savage race, his country-people. So, his lamentation is clear for not taking part in any kind of big war or great activities. 

“I cannot rest……………………. the dim sea.” 

Now, we become acquainted with his one more passion which is traveling. Then, he is addressing that he will drink the life to the lees that mean to enjoy whole-heartedly and to give value to present. 

At this point, it becomes clear that he is very much sincere regarding time. All times whenever he used to travel, he enjoyed greatly and suffered greatly. The enjoying moments can be related to shore and the suffering time can be compared with rainy Hyades.

“I am become a name………...of them all”

Now, Ulysses is saying that he becomes a name that means he created successfully his own identity by himself. Later, he talks about the presence of his hungry heart, the curiosity to know the unknown. As a result of traveling more areas, he meets different people, different manners, unique climates, and different govt. And whenever he went, he has been honored by people. 

“And drunk…………...when I move.” 

Now, Ulysses is describing the tiny battles used to create drinking delight. However, he brings out the reference to the holy background atmosphere of Troy. Then, he is talking about the arch and according to him his way of life is somehow related to it. And, he believes he has to go far till now. 

“How dull…………..of human thought.” 

At this point, he once more proves his nobility in life. As per his belief, it is dull to take a pause or make an end to this journey. Because here he adds one of the greatest truths of life and that is not to stop learning or exploring. 

Just taking a breath is not our purpose in life being the past of mankind. He thinks this little remaining time (as he becomes old) should not be wasted. And every hour even every moment should be saved, properly explored. It takes three years to store and hoard himself. In the next line, he has compared his curiosity, (to know the unknown) with a sinking star. He wants to go beyond the bounds of human thoughts. 

“This is…………...and the good.” 

Now, Ulysses is found to addressing his son, Telemachus. He says that he is blameless despite he has entered into common duties. However, his activities are very simple and limited. That’s why Ulysses gives it a tag of ‘Common duties’. And it includes maintenance in offices of tenderness, invoking to household gods. However, it creates an irony where Ulysses separates his and his son’s works. Somehow, it indirectly talks about his criticizing upon his son. 

“There…………...with me.” 

At present, Ulysses’s vision goes to the port where the golden memories of his voyaging journeys are still living. It seems that the broad seas, his fellow mariners are asking for a new journey to start. 

“That…………………….with Gods.”

A frolic welcome is felt by him through his fellow mariners. The mariners who were the evidence of the days in thunder, in the sunshine, etc. But, now both of them are old. However, the speaker makes it clear that old has its honor and toil. 

Death is the full stop of life, and they are just old not dead. So, Ulysses believes some noble work might yet be done. And, as per his opinion, it can lead them to strive with God. 

“The lights……………...a newer world.”

In these lines, we can visualize the invitation from nature to Ulysses. It is nothing but their journey which will be started very soon. And finally, they will go to seek a newer world. 

“Push off…………..until I die.” 

Here we find the same thing which is mentioned in the last line. Ulysses desires to sail beyond the sunset till his death. 

“It may………………….not to yield.” 

In these lines, we find an allusion to Greek mythical hero Achilles whose contribution was very valuable in the Trojan war. And, Ulysses is saying to his fellow mariners to win or to get a place in happy Isles. However, here ‘Happy Isles’ makes the sense of heaven. At last, he makes it very clear that they are weak made by time and fate, but their willpower is always there. 

And being a hero, Ulysses knows very well of its value. And that’s why he ends the monologue by saying to strive, to seek, to find out, and not to yield.