What is a dramatic monologue? Evaluate “Ulysses” as a dramatic monologue.
Ulysses is a notable literary work by Alfred Lord Tennyson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Ulysses.
Answer
What is a dramatic monologue? Evaluate “Ulysses” as a dramatic monologue.
Alfred Lord Tennyson’s (1809-1892) “Ulysses,” written in 1833, is an excellent example of a dramatic monologue. In this poem, Ulysses, the famous Greek hero, speaks about his frustration with his life as king of Ithaca. He expresses his yearning to continue exploring the world. By hearing Ulysses’ thoughts, we gain a clear picture of his character, values, and desires.
Dramatic Monologue: A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker addresses an audience. The single speaker reveals personal thoughts and feelings. This type of poem provides insights into the speaker’s personality, emotions, and desires.
Characteristics of a Dramatic Monologue in “Ulysses”
In “Ulysses,” the speaker, Ulysses, talks about his dissatisfaction with life at home and his longing to return to his adventurous past. This monologue has several key features that make it a dramatic monologue:
Single Speaker: Only Ulysses speaks in the poem. He shares his personal thoughts without any interruptions or responses from others.
Imagined Listener: Although we do not hear anyone else, Ulysses seems to be addressing an audience—perhaps his crew or the reader. This creates a sense of conversation, even though Ulysses is the only voice we hear.
Revelation of Character: Through his words, we learn about Ulysses’ dissatisfaction, ambition, and desire for adventure. The dramatic monologue allows us to understand Ulysses’ personality in depth.
Ulysses’ Desire and Restlessness: When the poem begins, Ulysses is agitated and discontent at home in Ithaca. He is restless for adventure. Ulysses feels “idle,” even though he rules as king. Though he is a king and has all the comforts of home, he feels trapped. Through his monologue, we see that Ulysses does like to sit idly at home.
It little profits that an idle king,
This line shows his discontent with a life of inactivity. He believes his true identity is that of an explorer, not aUnlock this study guide now