ULYSSES

ACTIVITY

1. The speaking voice of the poem is Ulysses, who is speaking to the reader.

2. He is an old man.

3. He is in his island Ithaca.

4. He is setting out on his past life and his reflection about his experiences.

5. His past life → Ulysses lived consciously his experiences of life, traveling, suffering and enjoying his time. Words such as “hungry”, “greatly”, “known” convey his positive approach to life.

   View of present and future → Ulysses recognized the importance of life such an ever ending travel, always discovering new things. The words “battle”, “move”, “margin” convey his determination to discover the entire possible.

   Attitude to Telemachus → Ulysses seems to appreciate his son, despite he recognizes they are two very different people. The words “mine own”, “well-loved”, “work” convey Telemachus' personality and his father appreciation.

   Address to his mariners → Ulysses is deeply fond with his mariners because of all the experiences they have shared, knowing more and more about themselves. The words “my”, “souls”, “free hearts” convey Ulysses' affection to his mariners.

6. Ulysses is portrayed as the old and wise king of his island Ithaca. He is returned from a long voyage around the world and he is speaking to the reader telling about his experiences. He focuses the reader's attention on the importance of the travel because a man discovering new countries, cultures, languages and people, also discovers a hidden dimension of himself. Ulysses seems to be very different to his son: he is a man always curious of the world, ho believes in the role of compassion in human relationships. Telemachus is a young man with a strong personality as his father but he submits his citizens and shows no compassion.

7. The writer sides with Ulysses.

8. Yes, it does. Ulysses puts on evidence the relevance of living the present consciously and to protect your memories because they are precious. The past life strongly affects the present one, your past experiences are into you. When Ulysses comes home is a different person: he has know more about himself and is nostalgic of traveling with his peers, as he had lost something.

9. The meter of the poem allows the reader to read it fluidly as if it is a proper dialogue: actually it is the dialogue among Ulysses and the reader.