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Question
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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Solution
The poem can be divided into three parts
- the thirst for adventure, which does not allow Ulysses to remain in his kingdom as a mere ruler;
- Ulysses handing over the responsibility to his son Telemachus, with total confidence in his abilities;
- Ulysses’ clarion calls to his sailors, urging them to venture into unknown lands.
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Stanzas 1–3
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Stanzas 4–6
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| wicked guard | bait |
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| weak | disloyalty |
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Oh then our maze of tunneled stone
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| crying | |
| judge | |
| soldier | |
| unhappy | |
| second childhood | |
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..........Free imaginations
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‘I’m killed, Sire!’ And, his Chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead.
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To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart’s desire, Perched him!’
