Ulysses

Chapter VI

ULYSSES: Some notes

It begins with Ulysses saying that it is of no use for an 'idle king' to spend time by this still hearth (inactive fireplace) and in this barren rocky land and try to give out 'unequal laws unto a savage race'. He seems to be pointing out his frustration at growing old along with his wife in this state of restlessness, being forced to rule over people whom he has clearly lost touch with. He describes the people as men who 'hoard', 'sleep' and 'feed' again emphasizing the dullness and routine, which he feels, pervades his kingdom. These functions are quite normal one might say, but it is this very normality which perhaps irritates Ulysses.

He says he cannot take a break from his adventures. He insists on drinking life to the lees(imagery of drinking tea or something) and recalls his great suffering and great enjoyment both with his friends and alone; all of which he misses. He says he has become a legend and goes on to reveal the extent of his knowledge. He has experienced cities, climates, councils etc etc and has been honoured everywhere.

He has also drunk delight of battle on the battlefields of Troy. Thus after the descript of his present position we are taken into this heroic background and why therefore his present state must be torture.

He continues but he reminisces begin to take on a philosophical note as he talks about life. He calls experience an arch whose margin fades on and on endlessly. Ulysses says it is dull to pause to make an end and rust unburnished(imagery of sword). As if to breathe is all life is about! He also says that life upon life would be too little for his adventures but in reality a little of one is all that is left. He want to follow knowledge...utmost bound of human thought.

He plans to leave the kingdom in the

...