Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "Ulysses" tells the story of an old king named Ulysses, who feels restless and unsatisfied with his life. Even though he's getting older and lives with his wife, he still wants to go on adventures and accomplish more things. Ulysses spent most of his life traveling and facing challenges, so he's experienced a lot. He fought in the Battle of Troy and won, which made him famous. Now, he doesn't want to just sit around and get old. He believes there's still so much to do and see in the world. Ulysses is grateful to still be alive and wants to keep learning and experiencing new things. But he's also sad when he realizes he's wasted time being idle and watching his hair turn grey. Even though he's old, Ulysses thinks he's still strong and has a lot of energy left. He remembers the adventures he had with his sailors, and even though they're old now, he believes they can still do great things together. Ulysses doesn't want to give up on exploring and discovering new places, even if it takes him until the end of his life. Ulysses compares himself to his son Telemachus, who is different. Telemachus is happy to stay in one place and wants to be a good ruler for their people. Ulysses loves his son and believes he'll do a good job as king, even though he doesn't have his father's adventurous spirit. As the day ends, Ulysses remains determined to keep exploring and finding new adventures. He believes his strength, will, and curiosity are just as strong as ever, pushing him to keep searching for new discoveries until the very end.

1. -LORD TENNYSON
ULYSSES

2. ABOUT THE POET
Alfred, Lord Tennyson:
- Born: 1809 in England.
- Died: 1892.
- Occupation: Poet.
Poet Laureate of Great Britain:
- Appointed in 1850, succeeding William Wordsworth.
- Held the position until his death in 1892.
Victorian Era:
- Tennyson's works reflect the values and concerns of this era.
- The Victorian era was marked by industrialization and significant social change.
Themes in Tennyson's Works**:
- Reflects the challenges and moral dilemmas of the time.
- Often explores themes of progress, loss, and the search for meaning.
Legacy:
- Considered one of the most important poets of the Victorian era.
- His works continue to be studied and admired for their literary and emotional depth.

3. King of Ithaca: Ulysses rules over the island kingdom of Ithaca
alongside his wife.
Aged, but Adventurous: Despite growing old, Ulysses still dreams of
new adventures and challenges.
Lifetime of Exploration: He spent most of his life at sea and on
different lands, gaining invaluable experience.
Battle of Troy Veteran: Ulysses played a crucial role in the Trojan
War, fighting for the Greeks and defeating the Trojans.
Symbol of Wisdom and Resilience: Through his trials and triumphs,
Ulysses has become a beacon of wisdom and resilience, admired by
many.
Yearning for Adventure: Even in old age, Ulysses' spirit remains
restless, eager to embark on new journeys and conquer new frontiers.
INTRODUCTION TO THE POEM

4. It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Match'd 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 enjoy'd
Greatly, have suffer'd greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone, on shore, and when
Thro' scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vext 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 honour'd of them all;
POEM

5. In this passage from Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses," the
titular character expresses his dissatisfaction with a sedentary
life as a king, feeling unfulfilled by the mundane tasks of
governance and domesticity. He reflects on his longing for
adventure and the richness of life experienced through his
travels, despite the hardships endured. Ulysses yearns to
continue exploring, to fully immerse himself in the essence of
existence, and to leave a lasting legacy through his wanderlust
and thirst for discovery. He embodies a relentless spirit,
driven by the pursuit of new experiences and the relentless
pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
SUMMARY

6. POEM
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 wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life! Life piled on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.

7. SUMMARY
In this excerpt from "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses reflects on
the exhilaration of battle in the distant past, particularly during the Trojan
War. He sees himself as deeply connected to all the experiences he has
encountered throughout his life. However, he also acknowledges the
limitations of human experience, likening it to an incomplete bridge that
leads to an unknown world beyond. Ulysses finds stagnation unbearable,
preferring to remain active and engaged rather than fading into obscurity.
He rejects the idea of merely existing without purpose, finding it tedious to
halt his journey and settle for a life devoid of exploration and growth. For
him, each moment is precious, offering the potential for new discoveries and
experiences. He considers it a waste to cling to familiarity when there is an
endless universe of knowledge waiting to be explored.

8. 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 thro' soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.
Most blameless is he, centred in the sphere
Of common duties, decent not to fail
In offices of tenderness, and pay
Meet adoration to my household gods,
When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.
POEM

9. In this passage, Ulysses introduces his son, Telemachus, as the heir to the
throne of Ithaca. He praises Telemachus as a beloved and wise young man,
capable of ruling with patience and insight. Ulysses trusts that Telemachus will
use his intelligence and prudence to govern the island wisely, gradually guiding
its people towards civility and prosperity.
Telemachus is depicted as virtuous and dutiful, committed to fulfilling his
responsibilities and showing respect to both his family and the gods. Ulysses
expresses confidence in his son's ability to maintain order and honor the
traditions of their household even after his own passing. Despite their different
roles, Ulysses acknowledges that both he and Telemachus have their own tasks
to fulfill, and he entrusts his son with the future of their kingdom.
SUMMARY

10. POEM
There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail:
There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners,
Souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought with me
—
That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads—you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.
The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:
The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
'T is not too late to seek a newer world.

11. SUMMARY
In this poignant passage from Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses," the aging
king stands at the port, his ship ready to set sail once more. Addressing his
seasoned crew, he reflects on their shared trials and triumphs,
acknowledging the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Yet,
amidst the gathering darkness and the melancholy sound of the sea, Ulysses
finds solace in the prospect of one final adventure. He urges his companions
to embrace the call of the unknown, recognizing that despite their age, there
remains the potential for greatness and noble deeds. With the lights of the
shore twinkling in the distance, Ulysses stirs the hearts of his comrades,
reminding them that it is never too late to seek out new horizons and pursue
the elusive spark of adventure that ignites their souls.

12. POEM
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.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
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.

13. SUMMARY
In the stirring conclusion of "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses issues a
resolute call to his crew to embark on yet another voyage. With unwavering
determination, he sets his sights beyond the horizon, aiming to sail to uncharted
territories, even beyond the realm of the setting sun. Despite the uncertainties and
dangers that lie ahead, Ulysses remains undaunted, envisioning the possibility of
discovering mythical lands like the Happy Isles and encountering legendary figures
of the past. He acknowledges the toll that time has taken on their physical strength
but emphasizes the enduring strength of their heroic spirits. In these final lines,
Ulysses celebrates the indomitable human will, asserting their commitment to
persevere, to explore, and to never surrender to the challenges of life's journey.

14. THANK YOU