Summary of the Poem "Ulysses".

"Ulysses" is a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, first published in 1842. It is a dramatic monologue in which the speaker, Ulysses, reflects on his life and experiences, and his desire for adventure and exploration. The poem presents Ulysses as a symbol of the human desire for something greater than oneself, and explores themes of mortality, heroism, and the pursuit of the unknown.

"Ulysses" Poem Summary:

The poem begins with Ulysses addressing his old comrades, who have joined him on his final voyage. He expresses his dissatisfaction with his current life, describing it as a "still hearth" that has lost its fire. He longs for something more, and yearns to set sail once again and explore new lands, even though he is now an older man. He says,

"I cannot rest from travel: I will drink

Life to the lees."

Ulysses then reflects on his past adventures, including his role in the Trojan War and his encounters with various mythical creatures. He speaks of how he and his men "drank delight of battle with their peers" and how they encountered "strange faces, and the waves / Of foreign lands."

As Ulysses continues his monologue, he expresses his frustration with his current situation. He is now king of Ithaca, but he finds the responsibilities of ruling to be dull and unfulfilling. He longs for the excitement and adventure of his youth, and feels that he has not fulfilled his potential. He says, 

"How dull it is to pause, to make an end,

To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!"

Ulysses then speaks of his son, Telemachus, who will inherit his throne. He acknowledges that Telemachus is a capable ruler, but he worries that his son does not share his love of adventure and exploration. Ulysses says,

"This is my son, mine own Telemachus,

 To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle—

 Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfil

This labour, by slow prudence to make mild

A rugged people, and through soft degrees

Subdue them to the useful and the good."

Despite his concerns for Telemachus, Ulysses is determined to continue his own journey. He says,

"Come, my friends,

'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

 To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

 Of all the western stars, until I die."

The poem concludes with Ulysses expressing his determination to continue his journey, even though he knows that it will ultimately lead to his death. He says,

"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'

 We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

"Ulysses" is a poem that celebrates the human desire for adventure and exploration, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. It presents Ulysses as a symbol of this desire, as he expresses his dissatisfaction with his settled life and yearns for new experiences and challenges. The poem also deals with the theme of mortality, as Ulysses is aware that he is growing old and that his time is limited, but he refuses to let this hold him back from pursuing his desires.

The poem is notable for its use of language and imagery, which create a sense of adventure and excitement. Tennyson uses vivid descriptions of Ulysses' past adventures and his desire for new ones to create a sense of longing and anticipation. The poem also reflects the Victorian era and its values, particularly the idea of progress and the pursuit of knowledge.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of heroism and masculinity. Ulysses is presented as a heroic figure, but he is also flawed and human. He is not content to simply rule his kingdom and live a settled life; he wants to continue to explore and achieve great things. The poem challenges traditional ideas of heroism and masculinity, suggesting that true heroism lies in the pursuit of something greater than oneself.

Overall, "Ulysses" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the human desire for adventure and the pursuit of the unknown. It presents Ulysses as a symbol of this desire, and celebrates his unquenchable spirit of adventure and exploration. The poem remains a classic of English literature, and continues to inspire readers with its themes of heroism, mortality, and the pursuit of greatness.