Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson Term Paper

With this, Tennyson comments that every stage of life is a learning process and just because one is older does not mean learning stops. In fact, it is old age that has made him see how youth can be wasted. Every moment is a gift. I think that he only sees this more as he looks to his son and Telemachus' accomplishments. He is proud of his son's leadership. This makes him comfortable with leaving again. He has come to peace with knowing it has not been his kingdom for a longtime.

With the above in mind, the view of old age is at times solemn and hard to accept for someone like Ulysses. This brings to mind maybe the human condition has not changed over the years. It is more than likely possible one feels different emotions upon reflection of life and the future. Still there is hope as he realizes death is a fact of life. Tennyson composes:

Death closes all; but something ere the end,

Some work of noble note, may yet be done,

Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.

The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks; (51-54)

The view of old age has not changed over the centuries. It is still seen as a negative by society as youth is glorified. Still Ulysses has realized that death is a stage of life everyone must face eventually.Just because one is older does not mean the elderly do not have value to their community. Ulysses still has much left to accomplish. Tennyson emphasizes this idea by utilizing imagery incorporating the stars. The imagery of light equals newness or the dawn of a new day. I think it is all too uncommon for today's elderly to feel like they have lost value or potential to shine. It is society's fault for not valuing wisdom that comes with years of experience. It is not a trend but part of human nature.

Conclusion

This essay discussed the poem "Ulysses" by Lord Alfred Tennyson and the main character's view in old age. This essay explored the issue of old age, both positive and negative within the environment of the poem. The paragraphs above touched on how old age is viewed in modern society today. "Ulysses" is an age-old tale of a man's collected experience and journey around the ancient world. How did his experiences shape his view on old age? Has anything changed since Lord Tennyson's time? How does this view on old age comment upon Tennyson's thoughts? This paper attempted to explore these questions.

Works Cited

Tennyson, Alfred. "Ulysses." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M.H.

Abrams. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1986.….....