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Question
Explain with reference to the context the following line.
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
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Solution
- Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
- Context and Explanation: The poet says these words through Ulysses as to the probable outcome of the daring voyage at the fag end of his life. Ulysses is uncertain about the probable outcome of his last voyage. But he infers that he might reach ‘Happy Isles’ and see the ‘great Achilles’ who was dipped in the river of life.
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Introduction
The poem ‘Ulysses’ is a dramatic monologue that contains 70 lines of blank verse. Ulysses, the King of Ithaca, gathers his men together to prepare for the journey and exhorts them not to waste their time left on earth. Ulysses has grown old, having experienced many adventures at the battle of Troy and in the seas. After returning to Ithaca, he desires to embark upon his next voyage. His inquisitive spirit is always looking forward to more and more of such adventures.
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And drunk delight of battle with my peers;
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To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle Well-loved of me,
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Literary Devices
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| With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, | a |
| Legs wide, arms locked behind, | b |
| As if to balance the prone brow | a |
| Oppressive with its mind. | b |
