A Hero Among Men, A Man Among Heroes The name Ulysses instantly conjures up images of heroism and adventure. Even modern readers who are less versed in classical literature recognize the larger-than-life character, if not the specific details of this legend. It is with these associations in mind that one approaches the poetic monologue “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson, hwoever, presents the reader with a man rather than a hero. The Ulysses of his …showed first 75 words of 1046 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1046 total…and the speaker, Ulysses. These lines encourage the reader, supplying the courage to fight the battles each individual must face. The reader leaves, inspired, strengthened, and unapologetic: “We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are- One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” (Lines 66-70)