Chapter 5 – Ulysses Explanation, Summary, Questions and Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
2. Theme of the Ulysses
3. Summary of the Ulysses
4. Word meanings
5. Exercises solutions
6. Additional Questions and Answers
- 6A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)
- 6B. Fill in the blanks
- 6C. True or False
- 6D. Short questions & answers
- 6E. Long questions & answers
7. Grammar
- 7A. Join the sentences

1. About the author – Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was one of the greatest poets in England who was born on August 6, 1809, in Lincolnshire, England. He is known for his vivid imagery, musical rhythm, and deep emotional expression. In his writing, he explores themes such as nature, grief, heroism, faith, and the conflict between science and religion. His most famous poems include “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” “Ulysses,” “The Lady of Shalott,” and “Crossing the Bar.” His close friend Arthur Hallam deeply inspired his long elegy “In Memoriam A.H.H.” In 1884, he was given the title of Baron by the British government, making him the first English writer to be honoured with a noble rank.He died on October 6, 1892.

2. Theme of the Ulysses

In Ulysses, the speaker believes that life is meant to be lived through action, discovery, and exploration, and even in old age, he continues to feel a strong desire to travel, learn, and expand his horizons.
Living a quiet life as a ruler, Ulysses feels deeply unhappy and restless, finding it dull, lacking in purpose, and offering little connection with his people, as he longs instead for a life filled with meaning, excitement, and adventure.
Ulysses remains brave and hopeful even in his old age; he is also well known for his strong will and firm decision to keep going.

3. Summary of the Ulysses

A theatrical monologue, “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a piece of writing in which the Greek hero Ulysses also known as Odysseus reflects on his life after returning to Ithaca. In the form of a monologue the poem is presented directly to the audience. Ulysses realizes that he finds no joy in ruling his nation or living a quiet life with his elderly wife as he grows older. Along with feelings of boredom and restlessness he believes that living without purpose is meaningless. Ulysses longs for his past, which was filled with thrilling adventures such as visiting different places meeting new people, and overcoming great challenges. He believes that every new experience enriches life and that stopping is like rusting. From beginning to end he feels a person should live life to the fullest with all their energy and passion. He then speaks about his son Telemachus who will one day become king. Although he praises Telemachus for his patience, intelligence and sense of duty, he also notes that Telemachus is not like him. Ulysses enjoys taking risks while Telemachus is more suited to responsibility. As the poem comes to a close Ulysses invites his former companions to join him on one final journey across the seas. He does not let age stop him from believing they still have brave hearts and strong wills and that they remain courageous. In his dream of traveling beyond the sunset he hopes to discover things no one has ever seen before. Ulysses’ belief that one should never stop challenging oneself learning or exploring no matter their age is powerfully expressed in the poem’s final motivational line: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

4. Word meanings

Word	Meaning
Barren crags	Dry rocks
Dole	Give out
Scudding drifts	Fast-moving clouds or waves
Eternal	Never-ending
Yearning	Strong desire
Discerning	Showing good judgment and understanding
Subdue	Control
Tenderness	Gentle and kind feeling or behaviour
Adoration	Deep love
Mariners	Sailors
Twinkle	Soft light
Furrows	Narrow lines
Abides	Stays
Heroic	Brave
Strive	Try hard

5. Exercises solutions

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given :

1. What is the speaker in “Ulysses” longing for?
a) A peaceful and quiet retirement
b) New adventures and experiences
c) The comfort of his family
d) Forgiveness for past mistakes

Ans: b) New adventures and experiences

2. What phrase from the poem best reflects Ulysses’ restless spirit?
a) “Grow old along with me”
b) “Much have I seen and known”
c) “I yearn for the old familiar ways”
d) “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”

Ans: d) “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”

3. What is the significance of the “far-off lands” mentioned in the poem?
a) They represent a lost love.
b) They symbolize the speaker’s regrets.
c) They represent the unknown and the call for continued exploration.
d) They represent the speaker’s yearning for death

Ans: c) They represent the unknown and the call for continued exploration.

6. Additional Questions and Answers

6A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

1. Who is the speaker in the poem “Ulysses”?
(a) Telemachus
(b) A Greek soldier
(c) Ulysses himself
(d) Tennyson

Ans: (c) Ulysses himself

2. What literary device is used in “To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use”?
(a) Simile
(b) Alliteration
(c) Metaphor
(d) Irony

Ans: (c) Metaphor

3. What quality of Telemachus does Ulysses praise?
(a) His love for adventure
(b) His bravery in war
(c) His prudence and leadership
(d) His talent in poetry

Ans: (c) His prudence and leadership

4. Who is Telemachus in the poem?
(a) A fellow soldier
(b) Ulysses’ servant
(c) Ulysses’ son
(d) A god of the sea

Ans: (c) Ulysses’ son

5. What is meant by “The Happy Isles”?
(a) A real island near Ithaca
(b) A mythological paradise after death
(c) A place of retirement
(d) An enemy’s kingdom

Ans: (b) A mythological paradise after death

6. The tone of the poem can best be described as:
(a) Resigned and peaceful
(b) Regretful and bitter
(c) Hopeful and determined
(d) Calm and accepting

Ans: (c) Hopeful and determined

7. What does Ulysses think of his past experiences?
(a) They were meaningless
(b) They are a burden
(c) They shaped him and remain with him
(d) He regrets them deeply

Ans: (c) They shaped him and remain with him

8. What do the “sounding furrows” in the poem refer to?
(a) Waves in the sea
(b) Paths in the desert
(c) Cracks in the rocks
(d) Footsteps on the ground

Ans: (a) Waves in the sea

9. How does Ulysses describe the people he rules?
(a) Brave and wise
(b) Savage and unknown to him
(c) Friendly and helpful
(d) Peaceful and calm

Ans: (b) Savage and unknown to him

10. What kind of people are Ulysses and his sailors described as?
(a) Lazy and quiet
(b) Brave and strong-willed
(c) Scared and tired
(d) Rich and powerful

Ans: (b) Brave and strong-willed

11. How does Ulysses feel about staying at home?
(a) Happy and peaceful
(b) Bored and useless
(c) Safe and protected
(d) Proud and strong

Ans: (b) Bored and useless

12. What does Ulysses compare experience to?
(a) A sword
(b) A mountain
(c) An arch
(d) A book

Ans: (c) An arch

13. Where does Ulysses want to go at the end of the poem?
(a) To a war
(b) To a forest
(c) On a sea journey
(d) To a mountain

Ans: (c) On a sea journey

6B. Fill in the blanks

1. I cannot rest from ___________________. I will drink life to the lees. (travel)
2. Much have I seen and known ______________________ of men and manners. (cities)
3. I cannot rest from ____________________. I will drink life to the lees. (travel)
4. I am a part of all that I have ____________________. (met)
5. All times I have enjoyed greatly have ____________________ greatly. (suffered)
6. To rust unburnished, not to _________________________ in use. (shine)
7. This is my son, mine own ____________________. (Telemachus)
8. There lies the port; the vessel _______________________ her sail. (puffs)
9. Old age hath yet his honour and his ____________________. (toil)
10. The long day wanes; the slow ____________________ climbs. (moon)

6C. True or False

1. Ulysses wants to keep travelling and doing new things. (True)
S/S: He says he wants to enjoy life fully and never stop.

2. Ulysses feels he is too old to do anything now. (False)
S/S: He believes old age still has value and work to do.

3. Ulysses thinks Telemachus cannot handle the kingdom. (False)
S/S: He trusts his son and knows he will do his own work well.

4. Ulysses says breathing is not the same as really living. (True)
S/S: He means just being alive isn’t enough without doing something meaningful.

5. Ulysses is running away from his duties. (False)
S/S: He gives the job of ruling to his son before he leaves.

6. Ulysses says that death ends everything. (True)
S/S: He says, “Death closes all,” meaning life ends with death.

7. Ulysses is excited about going on a new journey. (True)
S/S: He says, “It’s not too late to seek a newer world.”

8. The poem says we should stop trying when we are old. (False)
S/S: It says we should keep trying no matter our age.

9. The poem ends with a hopeful and strong message. (True)
S/S: It ends with “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,” showing courage and determination.

10. Ulysses has always had a happy life without pain. (False)
S/S: He says he has both enjoyed and suffered in life.

6D. Short questions & answers

1. Why is Ulysses unhappy as a king?
Ans: Ulysses claims that he has experienced both joy and suffering throughout his life. He has journeyed across distant lands, encountered countless people, and taken part in many battles. These rich experiences have shaped his character and fueled his desire for new adventures.

2. What does Ulysses say about his past experiences?
Ans: Ulysses claims that throughout his life, he has experienced both joy and suffering as he journeyed across many lands, met a wide range of people, and fought in several battles. These experiences have shaped him into the person he is today and inspired him to continue seeking new adventures.

3. What is Ulysses’ view on old age?
Ans: Ulysses believes that old age, far from being a waste of time, still holds the potential for meaningful work. Even though people grow weaker with age, they are capable of contributing in valuable ways. He feels that individuals in their later years can still possess a strong will and should continue to strive rather than give up.

4. What is meant by “To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use”?
Ans: The message conveyed by this sentence is that it is better to keep working and being useful than to stay idle and waste time. Ulysses compares himself to a sword, saying that it should shine through use rather than rust from lack of activity.

5. Why does Ulysses call himself “a part of all that I have met”?
Ans: All the places Ulysses has visited and the people he has met have become a part of him, which is why he says this. He carries his thoughts, dreams, and desires with him, as his experiences have shaped them into what they are today.

6. Why does Ulysses compare experience to an arch?
Ans: Ulysses likens experience to an arch because it offers him a view into the vast world he wishes to explore. It is not his past experiences that limit him, but rather the unending desire within him to learn more. The more he comes to understand, the stronger his curiosity grows to discover what lies beyond.

7. Why does Ulysses decide to leave the kingdom to Telemachus?
Ans: Ulysses is well aware that Telemachus is better suited to rule at home. Telemachus is responsible, cautious, and maintains good relationships with others. For this reason, Ulysses chooses to entrust the kingdom to him before setting out on a new journey in search of knowledge and adventure.

8. What does Ulysses say about death in the poem?
Ans: According to Ulysses, “Death closes all,” meaning that life ends with death. However, he remains determined to achieve something remarkable before that happens. He believes that life is short and that every hour should be spent doing something meaningful.

9. How does Ulysses feel about his mariners?
Ans: The mariners hold a special place in Ulysses’ heart. Alongside him, they have not only worked but also thought and fought. They remain brave and optimistic, even in difficult times. Ulysses believes that they still have the spirit and willingness to embark on one more journey together.

10. What does Ulysses say about the sea?
Ans: Ulysses describes the sea as dark and vast. Although it is filled with danger and mystery, he shows no fear. He looks forward to sailing once again with his old companions, eager to discover something beyond the realm of the familiar.

11. What does the line “Tho’ much is taken, much abides” mean?
Ans: The meaning of this sentence is that even though Ulysses has lost a significant amount of power as he has aged, he still possesses courage and spirit. In spite of the fact that his body is weaker now, his mind and heart are still brimming with vitality and purpose.

12. What does Ulysses say to his friends at the end of the poem?
Ans: They are informed by him that it is not too late to look for a new world. His strong determination and unquenchable thirst for adventure and discovery are demonstrated by the fact that he extends an invitation to them to continue their journey together and set sail.

13. What does Ulysses say about the sea?
Ans: Ulysses describes the sea as dark and vast, a place filled with danger and mystery—yet one that does not frighten him. He looks forward to sailing once again with his old companions, eager to discover something beyond the boundaries of the familiar.

14. How does Ulysses describe the end of the day?
Ans: Ulysses describes the fading of the day, the rising of the moon, and the sound of the sea. These images reflect the approaching end of his life, yet he remains hopeful and determined to achieve something meaningful before his time runs out.

15. What is the overall message of the poem “Ulysses”?
Ans: The poem encourages us to keep moving forward, no matter where we are in life or how old we may be. It conveys the message that life is meant to be lived, learned from, and fully experienced. Tennyson’s “Ulysses” shows that what gives life meaning is the desire to achieve more, the courage to face challenges, and the longing for adventure.

6E. Long questions & answers

1. Why does Ulysses feel unhappy living as a king in Ithaca?
Ans: Ulysses is dissatisfied with his life as a king because he finds it dull and routine. He takes no pleasure in governing people who neither know nor understand him. He deeply longs for the excitement of travel and adventure. To him, remaining idle is the same as wasting one’s life. He believes that life is meant to be lived through exploration, learning, and achieving great things. Therefore, instead of staying in his role as a ruler and leading a peaceful but unfulfilling life, he wishes to set out on new adventures.

2. What does Ulysses mean by saying, “I am a part of all that I have met”?
Ans: In his statement, “I am a part of all that I have met,” Ulysses suggests that everyone he has known and every place he has visited have become part of who he is. These experiences have shaped his thoughts, dreams, and personality. They have made him more knowledgeable and curious about the world. He believes that each adventure leaves a lasting impression on him and inspires him to seek out even more. The journeys of his past continue to enrich his life in the present.

3. What does Ulysses say about life and death?
Ans: Ulysses asserts that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable for everyone. He uses the phrase “Death closes all” to emphasize that life will eventually come to an end. However, he believes that life should be lived to the fullest before death arrives. He wishes to spend every moment pursuing knowledge and adventure. Rather than sitting idly and waiting for death, he longs to explore the world. According to Ulysses, a life without meaning is no better than death, even if a person is still alive.

4. How is Telemachus different from Ulysses?
Ans: Ulysses is restless and filled with a desire for adventure, while Telemachus is calm, careful, and responsible. Telemachus is dedicated to his duties as king and is content to remain at home. His goal is to help his people grow and gradually improve their lives. In contrast, Ulysses longs to travel, discover new places, and gain fresh knowledge. The idea of staying in one place makes him feel uneasy. Although they are different, Ulysses deeply respects his son’s character and believes he will be an effective leader.

5. What is Ulysses’ final wish in the poem?
Ans: Ulysses longs to embark on one final expedition with his fellow sailors before he dies. He is unconcerned with whether they succeed or even whether they survive. What matters most to him is the desire to travel, explore new lands, and live life to the fullest until the very end. He dreams of reaching the “Happy Isles” and meeting legendary figures like Achilles. This wish reflects his brave heart, adventurous spirit, and firm belief that life should be embraced fully until the moment of death.

6. Why does Ulysses give the kingdom to his son Telemachus?
Ans: Ulysses is confident that his son is a wise, patient, and capable ruler, so he entrusts the kingdom to Telemachus. Telemachus knows how to treat people with kindness and how to take a steady, thoughtful approach to improving their lives. Ulysses has faith that his son will rule successfully and keep the kingdom safe. He believes Telemachus is better suited to stay at home and lead. This decision allows Ulysses to set out on his final journey. Although he is proud of his son, he feels that his own destiny lies beyond the shore.

7. What lesson can we learn from Ulysses’ attitude towards life?
Ans: The lesson we can take from this poem is that life should be lived with passion and purpose. Ulysses reminds us that, regardless of age, we should not waste time doing nothing. He believes we should always be learning, exploring, and making the most of every moment. His character shows that age is just a number, and that determination matters more. The poem encourages us to persevere, face challenges, and never give up. It delivers a powerful message about living life to the fullest, striving for meaningful goals, and thinking deeply about our journey.

8. What do the “Happy Isles” represent in the poem?
Ans: In the afterlife, the “Happy Isles” represent a place of peace and happiness. In Greek mythology, it is where heroes go to rest. Ulysses hopes that he and his fellow seafarers will reach this place during their final journey. As life draws to a close, the “Happy Isles” symbolize hope and reward. Although Ulysses knows that death is near, he dreams of reaching a beautiful paradise filled with calm. His vision of the “Happy Isles” shows that he does not fear death, but instead embraces it with courage and purpose.

9. Why does Ulysses want to explore the “untravelled world”?
Ans: Ulysses is filled with restlessness and an insatiable curiosity, which gives him a strong desire to explore the “untravelled world.” He feels that there is always something new to see and understand. The unexplored regions of the world fascinate him more than anything else. Although he is old, he believes there is still much left for him to learn. For Ulysses, the pursuit of knowledge and new experiences is a lifelong journey. He feels that the more he explores, the more he wants to understand what he encounters. This shows that Ulysses values the journey of life more than comfort or rest.

10. What is the main message of the poem “Ulysses”?
Ans: The central message of the poem is that life should be lived with boldness, purpose, and curiosity. This is the core lesson it conveys. Even in his later years, Ulysses places great value on learning, exploring, and actively engaging with the world. He teaches us that we should never stop dreaming or striving for progress. The poem emphasizes that real life is about making the most of our time and not letting it go to waste. It inspires us to step beyond our comfort zones, seek new experiences, and persevere. Ulysses’ spirit clearly shows that age is not a barrier to having a strong and determined heart.

7. Grammar

7A. Join the sentences

1. I have suffered greatly. I have enjoyed greatly. (Join into a compound sentence:)
Ans: I have suffered greatly and I have enjoyed greatly.

2. I have roamed with a hungry heart. I have seen many cities and climates. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Since I have roamed with a hungry heart, I have seen many cities and climates.

3. The people hoard, and sleep, and feed. They do not know me. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: The people hoard, sleep, and feed, but they do not know me.

4. Life piled on life is too little. I want to follow knowledge. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Although life piled on life is too little, I want to follow knowledge.

5. The spirit is grey. The spirit yearns in desire. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: The spirit is grey, yet it yearns in desire.

6. This is my son. He will rule the isle. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: This is my son who will rule the isle.

7. He is most blameless. He is devoted to common duties. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He is most blameless and devoted to common duties.

8. We are not now that strength. That strength moved earth and heaven. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: We are not now that strength which once moved earth and heaven.

9. Come, my friends. It is not too late to seek a newer world. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Come, my friends, because it is not too late to seek a newer world.

10. We may be washed down by the gulfs. We may touch the Happy Isles. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: We may be washed down by the gulfs, or we may touch the Happy Isles.

11. I have suffered greatly. I have enjoyed greatly. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: I have suffered greatly and enjoyed greatly.

12. I have roamed with a hungry heart. I have seen many cities and climates. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Since I have roamed with a hungry heart, I have seen many cities and climates.

13. The people hoard, and sleep, and feed. They do not know me. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: The people hoard, and sleep, and feed, but they do not know me.

14. Life piled on life is too little. I want to follow knowledge. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Although life piled on life is too little, I still want to follow knowledge.

15. The spirit is grey. The spirit yearns in desire. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: The spirit is grey, yet it yearns in desire.

16. This is my son. He will rule the isle. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: This is my son who will rule the isle.

17. He is most blameless. He is devoted to common duties. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He is most blameless and is devoted to common duties.

18. We are not now that strength. That strength moved earth and heaven. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: We are not now that strength which once moved earth and heaven.

19. Come, my friends. It is not too late to seek a newer world. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Come, my friends, because it is not too late to seek a newer world.

20. We may be washed down by the gulfs. We may touch the Happy Isles. (Join into a compound) sentence)
Ans: We may be washed down by the gulfs, or we may touch the Happy Isles.

21. He was tired. He kept working. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He was tired, but he kept working.

22. She is intelligent. She is hardworking. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: She is intelligent and hardworking.

23. He opened the door. He entered the room. (Join into simple sentence)
Ans: Opening the door, he entered the room.

24. She was poor. She was honest. (Join into compound sentence)
Ans: She was poor, yet she was honest.

25. He ran fast. He missed the train. (Join into complex sentence)
Ans: Though he ran fast, he missed the train.

26. The sun rose. The fog disappeared. (Join into simple sentence)
Ans: With the rising of the sun, the fog disappeared.

27. He is very rich. He does not help the poor. (Join into complex sentence)
Ans: Although he is very rich, he does not help the poor.

28. She completed the work. She went home. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: After completing the work, she went home.

29. He must study hard. He will fail. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: If he does not study hard, he will fail.

30. He saw a snake. He ran away. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He saw a snake and ran away.

31. The rain stopped. We resumed the game. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: After the rain stopped, we resumed the game.

32. He passed the test. He worked hard. (Join into complex sentence)
Ans: He passed the test because he worked hard.

33. She sings well. Everyone praises her. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Everyone praises her because she sings well.

34. He was late. He missed the bus. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He was late, so he missed the bus.

35. She entered the room. She greeted everyone. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: Entering the room, she greeted everyone.

36. He lost the match. He was upset. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: As he lost the match, he was upset.

37. They finished their meal. They went for a walk. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: They finished their meal and went for a walk.

38. He is old. He is active. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Though he is old, he is active.

39. I saw the lightning. I heard the thunder. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: I saw the lightning and heard the thunder.

40. She was crying. She was hurt. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: She was crying because she was hurt.

41. The bell rang. The students left the class. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: Hearing the bell, the students left the class.

42. He has a bike. He rarely uses it. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Though he has a bike, he rarely uses it.

43. He completed the assignment. He submitted it. (Join into a compound sentence)
Ans: He completed the assignment and submitted it.

44. He was not well. He attended the meeting. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: Although he was not well, he attended the meeting.

45. She opened the window. She let the fresh air in. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: Opening the window, she let the fresh air in.

46. He practiced regularly. He improved a lot. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: As he practiced regularly, he improved a lot.

47. I know the boy. He is wearing a red cap. (Join into a complex sentence)
Ans: I know the boy who is wearing a red cap.

48. It rained heavily. The match was cancelled. (Join into complex sentence)
Ans: The match was cancelled because it rained heavily.

49. He wants to pass. He must study hard. (Join into complex sentence)
Ans: If he wants to pass, he must study hard.

50. She spoke the truth. She was not afraid. (Join into compound sentence)
Ans: She spoke the truth and was not afraid.