Ulysses

Q1- What is the central idea of the poem?

Ans: In the poem “Ulysses” the poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson presents a message through a great Greek hero
Ulysses, the King of Ithaca, who was full of ventures and courage. The poem reflects a message of
encouragement where old people are motivated that old age is not the mere reason for regret. One may
physically be weak but one must not leave the will power. This poem symbolizes adventurous spirit indomitable
courage, inexhaustible zeal, unflinching faith, unshakable determination and unquenchable thirst of achieving
something.

Q2- Explain the assertion that Ulysses symbolizes the human spirit at its bravest and strongest.
Ans: Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem “Ulysses” reflects the great Greek hero. Ulysses who remained
always ready for all kinds of adventurous attitude. Hence, he had been a symbol of our ideal hero. The way
Ulysses urges his old companions to precede on one more journey of exploration and discovery of a new world
or a noble act. Thus, Ulysses is the symbol of adventurous spirit, indomitable courage, inexhaustible zeal,
unflinching faith, unshakable determination and unquenchable thirst of knowledge.

Q3- Explain, “Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will,
To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”
Ans: Ulysses is presented as a motivational speaker who encourages his fellows to set off for another voyage
in the hope of discovering new land in the far west. Ulysses admits that they have grown old as the time passes,
hence they are not full of the strength as in the previous time but they all possess equal temper of heroic hearts.
Due to old age but fortune, they are made weak but possess a strong will. Hence, they all decided to strive and
keep on searching and discovering but one must not surrender.

Q4- How does Ulysses inspire his sailors to embark on a new adventure?
Ans: Ulysses is a long, magnificent, symbolical and moral boosting poem, a Greek hero; he pays high tribute
to his mariners who labored, worked and accomplished many tasks with him. He invites his sailors for another
journey and achievement with the same eagerness, enthusiasm and will to endeavor. Ulysses intends to sail
beyond the horizon, where the sun sets, bathing in the sea and he could see the reflection of stars. The gulf may
wash them down or they may reach Happy Isles to meet the great Achilles.