In Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem ‘Ulysses,’ the narrator is caring and ambitious. The narrator, who was once a great warrior, reveals himself to be a caring character. ‘Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those/ That loved me’ (1257).
He reveals his love for the people that have fought by his side. He appreciates those who gave their lives so that he may live. ‘Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfill/ This labor’ (1258).
The narrator is showing his love for his son and kingdom. By resigning as king, and passing it on to his son, he shows that he trust and loves his son. He also shows care for his kingdom by choosing the son that is the most responsible, so that the kingdom my thrive in prosperity. Not only is he a caring soul, but he is ambitious. He does not like to to sit on his thrown waiting for the days to go by, but likes to travel and seek adventure.
‘I cannot rest from travel; I will drink/ Life to the lees’ (1257).
The king is a man of adventure, and dares to push himself to his limits. He wants everything that life has to offer him. ‘To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths/ Of all the western stars, until I die’ (1259).
He embarks on a new journey, a journey that he will not return from.
He does not want to die in his thrown, but on a great voyage filled with adventure. The king is a caring and ambitious character whose only desire is to travel.
