Tennyson commented that "it was more written with the feeling of loss upon me than many poems in In Memoriam." It had been written nine years earlier, when he was 24 years old, following the death of his closest friend, Arthur Henry Hallam. "Ulysses" was published in 1842 in the collection of poetry that secured Tennyson’s literary fame. Although they are weak in age, much vigor remains they still have “heroic hearts” which are “strong in will” and want to persevere, to explore and discover and never give up. Perhaps they even will reach the Happy Isles and meet Achilles. Ulysses calls out that it is not too late to discover a “newer world.” They can leave this shore and sail beyond the sunset, exploring until he dies. Yet, they still can do something noble and suited to their greatness, especially as they are men who once fought with gods.
ULYSSES BY TENNYSON FREE
He recalls “the thunder and the sunshine” of his mariners’ exciting travels together, their “free hearts” and free minds, and understands that he and they are old now.
Ulysses looks at the port and the sea beyond, calling to him. Yet, Telemachus does not have his father’s energy “He works his work, I mine.” Ulysses loves him and knows that he will use his prudence to govern wisely, turning the “rugged” people “mild,” and he is “blameless” and “decent” in his “common duties.” He honors the family’s gods. In contrast, his son Telemachus, who will succeed him as king, seems content to stay put and simply rule the people. His “gray spirit” yearns to attain knowledge and follow it “like a sinking star, / Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.” Multiple lives would be too little to get the most out of existence, and little of his one life remains, but at least he is alive and there is time for “something more.” It would be a shame to do nothing for even three days he does not want to store himself away. It is boring to stop and wither away and be useless in his old age simply breathing is not life. He is “a part of all that I have met,” but this is not the end, for his experience is an archway to new experiences, with the horizon always beyond reach.
He also has enjoyed battling at Troy with his fellow warriors. He is a famous name he has seen the world and has been honored everywhere. He does not want to cease his travels he has made the most of his life, having suffered and experienced pleasure both with others and alone and both at sea and on the shore. Ulysses complains that he is “idle” as a king, home with his elderly wife, stuck passing enlightened laws for a “savage race” that sleeps and eats but does not know him.