“Ulysses” by Alferd Lord Tennyson

It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Matched with an aged wife, I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: All times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone, on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vexed the dim sea: I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart
Much have I seen and known; cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honored of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers,
Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untraveled world, whose margin fades
Forever and forever when I move.

Summary:

“Ulysses” is a dramatic monologue spoken by the mythological hero Ulysses, also known as Odysseus. Ulysses, now an aging king, reflects on his past adventures and laments the dullness of his present life. He longs to set sail once again and explore new lands and experiences, believing that there is still much to be gained from a life of adventure.

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
2. What is the speaker’s current situation?
3. What does the speaker desire?
4. What experiences has the speaker had in the past?
5. What does the speaker believe about his past experiences?

Poetry Analysis Questions:

1. What is the tone of the poem?
2. What is the theme of the poem?
3. What is the significance of the last two lines?
4. What is the effect of the enjambment between lines 10 and 11?
5. How does Tennyson use language and imagery to convey Ulysses’ longing for adventure?
6. What is an example of alliteration in the poem?
7. How does Tennyson use metaphor in the poem to convey Ulysses’ desire for adventure?
8. What is the effect of the repetition of the phrase “I am” throughout the poem?
9. How does Tennyson use enjambment in the poem to create a sense of movement and restlessness?
10. What is the significance of the poem’s structure as a dramatic monologue? How does this affect the reader’s understanding of Ulysses’ character?

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Answer Key:

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. The speaker in the poem is Ulysses, also known as Odysseus.
2. The speaker is an aging king who is dissatisfied with his current life.
3. The speaker desires to set sail once again and explore new lands and experiences.
4. The speaker has had many past experiences, including battles, travel, and encounters with various people and cultures.
5. The speaker believes that all of his past experiences have made him who he is and that there is still much to be gained from a life of adventure.

Poetry Analysis Questions:

1. The tone of the poem is wistful and longing.
2. The theme of the poem is the desire for adventure and the importance of living life to the fullest.
3. The last two lines suggest that Ulysses will never stop seeking new experiences and that the world will always hold something new and unexplored.
4. The enjambment between lines 10 and 11 creates a sense of momentum and restlessness, emphasizing Ulysses’ desire to move on from his current situation.
5. Tennyson uses vivid language and imagery to convey Ulysses’ longing for adventure, such as describing the “drunk delight of battle” and the “untraveled world.”
6. An example of alliteration in the poem is “Matched with an aged wife, I mete and dole” The repetition of the “m” sound emphasizes the monotony and dullness of Ulysses’ current life.
7. Tennyson uses the metaphor of sailing and exploration to convey Ulysses’ desire for adventure. Ulysses compares himself to a “gray spirit yearning in desire / To follow knowledge like a sinking star.” This metaphor suggests that knowledge and adventure are like a distant, unreachable goal that Ulysses is constantly striving to reach.
8. The repetition of the phrase “I am” throughout the poem emphasizes Ulysses’ sense of identity and self-importance. He sees himself as a part of all the experiences he has had and all the places he has been, and this repetition emphasizes his strong sense of self.
9. Tennyson uses enjambment in the poem to create a sense of momentum and restlessness. For example, the enjambment between lines 9 and 10 creates a sense of urgency as Ulysses declares, “I will drink / Life to the lees.” This enjambment emphasizes his desire to live life to the fullest and experience everything the world has to offer.
10. The structure of the poem as a dramatic monologue allows the reader to get a deep insight into Ulysses’ character and his inner thoughts and desires. Ulysses speaks directly to the reader and reveals his restlessness, his longing for adventure, and his frustration with his current life. This structure also emphasizes Ulysses’ strong sense of self and his belief that he is destined for greatness.