Tennyson writes the poem Ulysses (1833)

Alfred, Lord Tennyson composed the poem Ulysses in October 1833 at Somersby, Lincolnshire, following the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. Written when Tennyson was 24, the poem reflects his personal grief and need for forward movement. Although completed on 20 October 1833, it was not published until 1842 in his second volume of poetry, remaining unrevised after its initial appearance.

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Background and detail

Background. Tennyson was living in Somersby, Lincolnshire, in cramped quarters with his mother and nine siblings when he heard of Hallam's death on 1 October 1833. His father had died in 1831, forcing Tennyson to return home and assume family responsibilities. Just as his outlook was improving through domestic adjustments and the publication of his 1832 book, the news of Hallam's death arrived, prompting the composition of Ulysses.

Literary Context. The poem draws on Homer's Odyssey, particularly the eleventh book where Tiresias foretells Ulysses' return to Ithaca and a future peaceful death. Tennyson's treatment is considered the first modern account of the character. The last movement shows decisive influence from Dante, recalling the desire for knowledge beyond bounds, while the poem's structure shifts from soliloquy to public address.

Personal Significance. Tennyson wrote Ulysses with the feeling of his loss upon him, more so than many poems in In Memoriam. Critics who find that Tennyson identifies with the speaker read Ulysses' speech affirmatively, considering that he would not undermine Ulysses' determination with irony when he needed similar stalwartness to face life after Hallam's death.

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