Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem Ulysses (published in 1842, though likely written in 1833) is a dramatic monologue that explores the restlessness of the legendary Greek hero Ulysses (Odysseus in Greek), after his return to Ithaca following the Trojan War. The poem reflects deep Victorian concerns with identity, purpose, and the nature of heroism. Here’s a comprehensive textual analysis:

1. Form and Structure

Ulysses is a 70-line dramatic monologue written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). The form mirrors natural speech and lends a reflective, meditative tone to the poem, while the structure—divided roughly into three movements—supports the psychological progression of the speaker:

  • Lines 1–32: Ulysses’ dissatisfaction with domestic life and yearning for experience.
  • Lines 33–43: A reflection on his son Telemachus, who contrasts with Ulysses in character and duty.
  • Lines 44–70: A call to action, directed toward his mariners, for one final voyage.

2. Voice and Perspective

The poem is spoken entirely by Ulysses, placing the reader within the mind of the aging hero. This allows for an intimate portrayal of his psychology: his frustration, ambitions, and idealism. His monologue has an oratorical quality, especially in the final section, suggesting he is rallying others to his cause (and perhaps trying to convince himself as well).

3. Themes

A. The Restlessness of the Human Spirit

Ulysses feels “an idle king” and craves the adventure and discovery that defined his earlier life. His famous line—“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”—encapsulates the spirit of unending quest that drives the poem. This speaks to the Victorian idea of progress and heroic effort, as well as the Romantic valorization of the individual will.

B. Aging and Mortality

The poem is haunted by the awareness of death—“Death closes all”—but Ulysses refuses to succumb to stagnation. He insists on “not unbecoming men that strove with Gods,” emphasizing a defiance of the limitations imposed by age.

C. Duty vs. Desire

Ulysses contrasts himself with Telemachus, his dutiful son who governs Ithaca wisely and humbly. While Ulysses respects his son’s qualities, he does not share his temperament. This split articulates the tension between the obligations of civic life and the allure of personal fulfillment.

D. Heroism and Legacy

Ulysses’ desire to undertake “some work of noble note” before he dies suggests a longing to leave a lasting legacy. The poem becomes a meditation on what it means to live heroically—not just in action, but in spirit.

4. Tone and Mood

The tone shifts from weary and discontent in the beginning, to contemplative in the middle, to rousing and heroic at the end. This tonal arc mirrors Ulysses’ psychological journey—from restlessness and melancholy to renewed purpose.

5. Language and Imagery

  • Maritime imagery: The sea is a powerful symbol throughout. Ulysses speaks of being “roaming with a hungry heart” and compares life to a voyage, full of “thunder and sunshine.”
  • Allusion: The poem alludes to Homer’s Odyssey but recasts the narrative to suit Tennyson’s themes. Ulysses is not the triumphant returning hero but a man unfulfilled by peace.
  • Symbolism of light and darkness: The “untravelled world” gleams with promise; old age is the “twilight” yet not the end.

6. Biographical and Historical Context

Tennyson wrote Ulysses shortly after the death of his close friend Arthur Hallam, which imbues the poem with personal resonance. Ulysses’ refusal to yield to despair and his resolve to continue striving may reflect Tennyson’s own attempts to find meaning and momentum after a profound loss. More broadly, the poem speaks to Victorian anxieties about change, progress, and the role of the individual in a rapidly industrializing society.

7. Ambiguities and Interpretations

Some critics read Ulysses as a heroic assertion of will; others interpret it more darkly—as a delusional or selfish desire to escape responsibility. The poem’s greatness lies in its ambiguity: Ulysses can be seen as both an inspiring figure and a tragic one. His final voyage may be heroic, suicidal, or symbolic of the eternal quest for knowledge.

8. Final Lines and Their Legacy

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
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.

These concluding lines have entered the cultural lexicon as an anthem of perseverance. They evoke the nobility of continuing to pursue meaning and action, even when strength is waning.