Learning Paths » 5B Interacting
Notes of the 23rd of April 2012
Telemachus can carry out the duties of the king (his father) because he has the qualities needed: slow prudence (to obtain the agreement), mild attitude to the habitants of Itaca. He has material values, but not the ideas. It’s interesting to notice that Tennyson uses Ulysses voice to express a criticism through the Victorian mentality voiced by expression.
The Victorian Age changed the vision of European history. The literature has the double aim of entertainment and teaching. The new trends of thought are: Darwinism, Puritanism; Utilitarism.
In Victorian society there were great contradictions (the presence of people very rich and poor), but there had been a great improvement too.
In describing Telemachus’ character Ulysses tells he’s mainly interested in daily duties (lines 40-41). Telemachus is a figure that can be the symbol of an attitude different from the Ulysses’ one. The old hero is a romantic figure, instead his son is concrete. The reader can understand the different nature of the two personalities.
In the part of the monologue where Ulysses refers to his crew he uses the word “dark” and “blue”, as addressing to something that is not clear.
The “souls” are the spiritual signs of his mariners. Their lives are difficult as they have to work hard; but they also have to reflect. They have to be ready in every situation.
The freedom (“free hearts”) seems to be in opposition to Victorianism, because the period stated there should be a balance between heart and head. Without this balance the knowledge can’t move on.
Ulysses is aware that his mariners and he are old but this don’t prevent them to make a new voyage (symbol of the knowledge).
Hillman supports the idea that only after a certain age is possible to develop a strong nature. Young people, instead, in front of difficulties resort to the removal, as in the dreams (Freud).
On line 52 the sentence stresses the idea that Ulysses does not surrender.
The following lines propose the anthropomorphization of the sea (the sea cries).
Dead is coming for Ulysses and his mariner, they are old but it’s still time for them. Only death will stop their adventure.
On line 63 there is the reference to Happy Islands, considered a sort of paradise.
Achilles, another hero, exhorts them to stand up.
“temper” means disposition.