Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson

¶ … Ulysses" by Lord Alfred Tennyson and the main character's view in old age. This essay will explore the issue of old age, both positive and negative within the environment of the poem. The paragraphs below will touch on how old age is viewed in modern society today. "Ulysses" is an age-old tale of a man's collected experience and journey around the ancient world.

How did his experiences shape his view on old age? Has anything changed since Lord Tennyson's time? How does this view on old age comment upon Tennyson's thoughts? This paper will attempt to explore these questions. Ulysses and View of Old Age Upon reading Tennyson's poem, it is evident the main character of Ulysses feels a great sadness that his journey around the Mediterranean is over. In many ways this can be said of not only his physical journey home to Ithaca but also of his life journey.

Only upon coming home does he become to understand and appreciate the grandeur of his experience. Only then with this realization does he begin to understand with old age comes wisdom and knowledge. Yet the tone of the poem implies Ulysses is not ready to die but wants to use his knowledge and continue exploring the world.

Tennyson writes: Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough Gleams that untraveled world whose margin fades Forever and forever when I move How dull it is to pause, to make an end To rest unburnished, not to shine in use? (19-23) What does this mean? Ulysses is overwhelmed by his wisdom yet wants to continue using it but also fears his society will label him as old. By labeling him, as elderly will hold him back from pursuing his goals.

By using the word dull, Tennyson calls attention to Ulysses' feeling like it is shame. Still this is further emphasized by imagery of old metal that has lost its shine. This reflects the not to uncommon view that old age means people lack life. They lack value because the light is gone from their spirit. Part of the problem is society modern or ancient values youth and the innovations of youth above all else.

Youth does not respect the wisdom of the elderly because they lack the experience to understand it. Ulysses does not want to be seen as lacking life.

He does not want to be the sinking star and plans to savor every moment with this quote: Were all too little, and one to me Little remains; but every hour is saved From the eternal silence, something more, bringer of new things; and vile it were From some three suns to store and hoard myself (25-29) What this really means is that he still has much to learn and appreciate even though he is older now.

With this, Tennyson comments that every stage of life is a learning process and just because one is older does not mean learning stops. In fact, it is old age that has made him see how youth can be wasted. Every moment is a gift. I think that he only sees this more as he looks to his son and Telemachus' accomplishments. He is proud of his son's leadership. This makes him comfortable with leaving again.

He has come to peace with knowing it has not been his kingdom for a longtime. With the above in mind, the view of old age is at times solemn and hard to accept for someone like Ulysses. This brings to mind maybe the human condition has not changed over the years. It is more than likely possible one feels different emotions upon reflection of life and the future. Still there is hope as he realizes death is a fact of life.

Tennyson composes: Death closes all; but something ere the end, Some work of noble note, may yet be done, Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods. The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks; (51-54) The view of old age has not changed over the centuries. It is still seen as a negative by society as youth is glorified. Still Ulysses has realized that death is a stage of life everyone must face eventually.

Just because one is older does not mean the elderly do not have value to their community. Ulysses still has much left to accomplish. Tennyson emphasizes this idea by utilizing imagery incorporating.