Write a critical note of the poem 'Ulysses".

Write a critical note of the poem ‘Ulysses”.

Give a critical summary or appreciation of ‘Ulysses’.

Write a note on the development of thought in the poem ‘Ulysses’.

Ans.

Introduction

After the death of Arthur Hallam, the poet Tennyson wrote ‘Ulysses‘, like ‘Break, Break, Break’, and ‘The ‘two Voices’ in bereavement. It was first published in 1842. It expresses the poet’s feelings about the need of going forward and facing life. Ulysses was the Greek hero whose story has been sung by Homer in Odyssey. In the narration, of the poem we find aphoristic use of Homer and Virgil. After all, Tennyson’s treatment to the narration of the poem is exuberant and ‘Ulysses’ remains, “the noblest of all Tennyson’s classical poems,” as Fowler said.

A Fine Dramatic Monologue

Ulysses’ is a monologue because the hero of the poem converses with himself. There are other characters too in the poem like his son, comrades, wife, Trojan gods and people. We feel a dramatic picture on in our minds during the reading of the poem, it is a monologue because only one person speaks throughout the poem. Others merely give him audience Ulysses returned to his empire Ithaca after twenty years from Trojan War. Now he seems to stand on the coast with his companions to begin a new journey to achieve more knowledge and gain new experience.

Subjective Note of the Poem

The poem ‘Ulysses’ is biographic in the sense that the poet himself was in favour of adventurous life despite the bereavement he faced. He wanted to face death while working. The poem narrates the sadness of the heart of the poet after the death of Hallam. It seems as if Tennyson wants to seek release from pain in the creation or the beautiful and his fondness for adopting legend to clothe personal emotion. It is biographic for its elegiac melancholy and note of courage, its restless’ dissatisfaction with the present and wish for fuller life. It shows Tennyson’s love for classical adventures and mythologies.

Development of Thought

The poet again and again gives arguments in favour of long journey and adventurous life. The people of the empire in the beginning of the poem are uncivilized, the laws are unjust, and so Ulysses will not like to rule over there. His wife has grown old while on the other hand the people do not understand his real nature. He has become habitual to a life hardship and adventure. He does not like idle life-full of rest. He has baa many experience and knowledge in the long journey of life yet there is enough to achieve. The more he knows the greater his thirst becomes for more lands. He leaves his empire for his son, Telemachus and calls his friends to begin the long journey towards the Western ocean. He may die or drown in the ocean but there is no time to be wasted in leisure. They may reach to the happy abode where the dead heroes stay after death. They may be physically weak but they, are still strong in determination. Therefore, they should set sail. ‘to strive to seek, to find and not to yield “because” “Tis not too late to seek a newer World.”

Poetic Qualities

Theme- Unlimited thirst for knowledge and a desire for ceaseless adventures and experience is the theme of the poem. it has been written in the blank verse bearing an admirable beauty and movement. It bears classic beauty and grandeur. The language of the poem is highly aphoristic Some phrases used in the poem have become immortal in English language. The poem bears musical touch and pictorial quality. The poem is highly didactic to the youths as well as for old persons. It is Tennyson’s most perfect dramatic monologue. We find fine delineation of character in the poem. He said in fewest possible words what he had to say. The poem is mythological bearing good metaphors in sheep, ocean, star and waves.