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, to various questions of Ulysses.
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 a ruler. This thirst for adventure and knowledge drives him to seek out the “untravell’d world.”
Ulysses’ Passion for Exploration: The dramatic monologue also reveals Ulysses’ passion for knowledge and exploration. He declares,
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees:…
He describes himself as someone who constantly seeks new experiences. His speech tells us that he finds meaning in travel and discovery, not in staying at home. He is determined to keep exploring until he dies. By hearing his voice directly, we feel his passion and his desire to live fully, despite his age.
Ulysses’ Inner Conflict: In this monologue, Ulysses also reflects on the idea of mortality and aging. He acknowledges that he is old. However, he refuses to let his old age stop him from living life as he chooses. He famously declares,
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
This line shows his resolve to keep pushing forward. Through the dramatic monologue, we understand that Ulysses is not only a hero but also a man fighting against time and age.
In conclusion, “Ulysses” is a powerful dramatic monologue because it allows us to hear directly from Ulysses himself. Ulysses gives us a deeper understanding of his character. Through his words, we see his dissatisfaction with life at home, his passion for exploration, and his inner conflict about aging.