Ulysses - Alfred Tennyson (Powerful Life Poetry)

A powerful poem on finding new purpose as we grow older.

Read by Victor Vertunni
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In Tennyson's "Ulysses," an old adventurer is frustrated with domestic life and yearns to set sail again to explore the world.

Throughout the poem, Ulysses rails against his advanced years, and declares that although he and his fellow men are old, they still have the potential to do something noble and honourable before “the long day wanes.”

In this extract from the poem, he encourages his men to make use of their old age because “ ’tis not too late to seek a newer world.” He declares that his goal is to sail onward “beyond the sunset” until his death.

Perhaps, he suggests, they may even reach the “Happy Isles,” or the paradise of perpetual summer described in Greek mythology where great heroes like the warrior Achilles were believed to have been taken after their deaths.

[RedFrostMotivation]

The newest addition to the Powerful Life Poetry series is up!
- an extract from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’.

If you have any suggestions for future poetry readings you’d like to hear, feel free to drop a comment below!

Best,
RF

[retiredyeti]

At age 77, this is the first time I have ever heard this poem read in this manner.

[FriAnde]

Please, for the love of mankind, record the full version of this poem! It's such a wonderful recitation, that I keep coming back to it almost every day.

[arjunsinha]

The greatest power of poetry lies in the recitation. You have a blessed voice.

[subway]

This poem means so many different things to me, but a common theme - redemption and rebirth. It is so beautiful and has always been one of my favorites.

[katlamb]

"Tho' much is taken, much abides!" was my depression fighting mantra throughout highschool.❤

[idankatz]

My literature professor taught us this as the last lesson and ive stolen this as my parting lesson from students ever since. Really touching, love you Dr. Farah❤️ 🧑‍🎓🧑‍🏫

[mohammadyasir]

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
(Favourite lines ❤)

[rjmacready]

I watch this once a day. I turned 50 this year. It keeps life in perspective. Thank you.

[FemiShonubi]

I just read this same poem a few days ago! After hearing "M" recite it in the James Bond movie "Skyfall"! Very insightful! Thank You for sharing!!!

[Squigglydodah]

That last line is perfectly read and the music perfectly timed to underscore the grit and resolve within it.

[the_lazy_loafer]

This is the refuge I take every time I feel low... I often feel low. I often come here only to start anew.

[heephay]

This poem was my major introduction to English literature. It keeps on taking new meanings and more clarity for me as I grow older. I was 13 the first time i wrote an analysis of it and today, it is ever so profound. And this presentation? Appropriate and fitting

[videomonksofficial]

Poetry never influenced me but after listening to this I loved poems a lot. Just keep sharing poems. Great work

[FarbotBurunetNia]

It makes me speechless, feeling like I am suffocating.
An awe-inspiring work of expression.

[bramblebop]

I know exactly why you did only the last part of it — it is like a poem in itself. But — as yet "another work on noble note" — please do the whole thing too. You read it admirably.

[lohkoon]

He sings a song of sorrow or of bliss.
Remember those wonderful songs of his.

[ranomukherjee]

Tennyson! thou shouldst be living at this hour: to listen to the voice that rediscovers the words heavier and lighter both at the same time

[cyprianshongwe]

What a beautiful poem and wonderfully recited

[douthea]

I love all the poems you're coming out with. I hope you keep doing them I find more inspiration in these then 100, 10 min videos of a person trying to hype me.