“Ulysses” can be considered one of the most important dramatic monologue by Lord Alfred Tennyson . Tennyson’s dramatic monologue represents a turning point in English Literature because the new stylistic chooses are not in line with the previous way of writing. The dramatic monologue is in contrast with the Romantic poetry because the speaking voice is shift from the poet to the main character of the monologue. In “Ulysses” the reader has the opportunity to identify himself in the speaking character and he can understand the character’s psychology. The dramatic monologue can be organized into two sections. Firstly Tennyson introduces Ulysses’ characterization. Indeed Tennyson’s Ulysses is different from Homer’s and Dante’s Ulysses. Tennyson’s Ulysses is old and he talks about his experiences in order to show himself from the psychological point of view. Secondly, there is Telemachus’ characterization. Ulysses characterizes his son, Telemachus. He is in contrast with his father, Ulysses, because he represents the man who fulfils his duties. 

 Ulysses starts talking about his conditions and his family in order to compare himself with Itaca inhabitants. He tells about his many experiences which characterizes his being. The intelligent reader can understand that Ulysses is a bold and adventurous man who sacrifices his life in order to explore and know the world. according to Ulysses’ opinion the knowledge of “cities of men and manners, climates, councils, governments” allow the knowledge of our self.  In the last part of the first section Ulysses introduces the theme of death. It is represented through the metaphoric reference: “eternal silence”.

    In the second sections the reader can immediately finds out the characterization of Telemachus, Ulysses’ son. At fist Ulysses make a list of some adjective to characterize the figure of Telemachus. There is a anaphoric reference to Itaca inhabitants. Ulysses underlines the differences between his and Telemachus’ objectives. Indeed Telemachus is designed to reign Itaca. On the other hand Ulysses is designed to travel. Telemachus has all the typical qualities of Victorian man