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Question
Explain with reference to the context the following line.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
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Solution
- Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
- Context and Explanation: Tennyson says these words through Ulysses who makes his motto loud and clear in these words. The final line of the poem is Ulysses’ enduring challenge to readers as well. The challenge if the aged ones could push ahead with vigor and strength of will no matter how fragile their bodies are. To yield to age or weakness is to be less than fully human. It might be honorable to live a peaceful settled life in old age. But one would naturally miss out on the most exciting moments of life if one does not venture out, at least a little towards the unknown.
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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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Who does the speaker address in the second part?
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He works his work, I mine.
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Then off there flung in smiling joy, And held himself erect
