Evaluate Ulysses as a Dramatic Monologue.

 

"Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson: A Dramatic Monologue. 

Ulysses is a poem in blank verse by the Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poem was written in 1833 and published in 1842 in Tennyson's well-received second volume of poetry. It was written soon after his intimate friend Arthur Hallam’s death. 

Ulysses was one of the greatest Greek heroes and chieftain of Ithaca. He was distinguished among the Greek heroes of the Trojan War for his fortitude, eloquence, courage, and valor. After the Trojan War, he returned to his state of Ithaca. In the poem, Ulysses describes to an unspecified audience his discontent and restlessness upon returning to his kingdom, Ithaca, after his far-ranging travels. Facing old age, Ulysses yearns to explore again, despite his reunion with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus.

The character of Ulysses (in Greek, Odysseus) has been explored widely in literature. The adventures of Odysseus were first recorded in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and Tennyson draws on Homer's narrative in the poem. Tennyson’s readers viewed Ulysses to be resolute and heroic, and admired him for his determination "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield". The view that Tennyson intended a heroic character, is also supported by his statements about the poem, and by the events in his life—the death of his closest friend—that prompted him to write it.

As the poem begins, Ulysses has returned to his kingdom Ithaca, after fighting in the Trojan War. Confronted again by domestic life, Ulysses expresses his lack of contentment, including his indifference toward the "savage race” that he governs. Ulysses contrasts his restlessness and boredom with his heroic past. He contemplates his age and eventual death—"Life piled on life / Were all too little, and of one to me / Little remains" —and longs for further experience and knowledge. His son Telemachus will inherit the throne that Ulysses finds burdensome. While Ulysses thinks Telemachus will be an adequate king, he seems to have little empathy for his son as he says- "He works his work, I mine". 

In the final section, Ulysses turns his attention to his mariners and calls on them to join him on another quest. He does not make any guarantees about their fate but tries to inspire them by conjuring their heroic past.

"Ulysses" is widely regarded as a dramatic monologue and is considered one of the most famous examples of this literary form. The poem is a dramatic monologue because it is a single speaker expressing his thoughts and feelings to an implied listener. The speaker in the poem is Ulysses, who is now an aging king reflecting on his life and his desire to continue to live a life of adventure.

The poem is notable for its use of dramatic techniques such as the use of the first-person point of view, the use of a single speaker, and the use of language that creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the listener. Through the speaker's words, the reader gains insight into Ulysses' character and his motivations. The poem also employs other literary devices such as metaphor, allusion, and imagery, which further enhance the dramatic effect.

Moreover, the poem also presents the reader with a vivid portrayal of the speaker's personality and his view of life. Through Ulysses' voice, the reader gains a sense of his restlessness, his desire for adventure, and his belief in the value of experience. The poem is, therefore, not just a reflection of Ulysses' character, but also a commentary on the human condition.

Overall, "Ulysses" is an exemplary dramatic monologue that showcases Tennyson's mastery of this literary form. The poem is a powerful and compelling portrayal of its speaker's character and motivations and is notable for its use of dramatic techniques such as point of view, language, and imagery. The poem's enduring popularity attests to its status as a masterpiece of Victorian literature and a classic example of the dramatic monologue.

Prepared by: Ikrar Chowdhury.