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Ulysses by Tennyson

Tim McMullin reads Ulysses by Tennyson.

Ulysses (Odysseus) expresses his discontent in remaining at home now that his great journey is over. He proclaims that he cannot rest from travel as his travels have exposed him to many different people and cultures and to the delight of battle. Ulysses declares that his travels and encounters have shaped who he is and that he feels cheated and goaded by those areas that he has not yet seen. He argues that it is boring to stay in one place, and that to do so is to pretend that all there is to life is the simple act of breathing, whereas he knows that life contains much novelty. He yearns for new experiences that will broaden his horizons. Ulysses now speaks of his son Telemachus, who will act as his successor while the great hero resumes his travels. He speaks of his son’s capabilities as a ruler, praising his prudence, dedication, and devotion to the gods. Telemachus will do his work of governing the island while Ulysses will do his work of travelling the seas. Finally, Ulysses addresses the mariners with whom he has travelled for many years. He declares that they still have the potential to do something noble and honourable before they die. He declares that his goal is to sail until his death and perhaps, even the paradise of Greek mythology where great heroes were believed to go after their death. He concludes by stating that he and his men should strive to seek, to find, and not to yield.

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5 minutes