Ulysses is a poem written by Alfred Tennyson, first published in 1842. It is a dramatic monologue in which the protagonist, Ulysses, reflects on his long travels and experiences, and expresses his longing for a new adventure. Ulysses is the king of Ithaca, who has been away from home for many years, fighting in the Trojan War and then wandering the Mediterranean. He is now an old man, and his kingdom is in disarray. He is tired of his life and longs for a new adventure. He calls on his old crew to join him on a new journey, and they set sail. The poem follows Ulysses as he reflects on his past adventures and his current situation. He is determined to find a new purpose in life, and he is determined to make the most of his remaining years. He is determined to explore the unknown and to make a difference in the world. The poem ends with Ulysses' famous line, "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." This line encapsulates Ulysses' determination to make the most of his life and to never give up.
By Alfred Tennyson · First published 1833 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Epic Poetry, Classical Literature