"The Lotus-Eaters" & "Ulysses"

Alfred Tennyson “The Lotus-Eaters” & “Ulysses”

“The Lotos-Eaters” – The captain of a ship full of people catch a glimpse of land and decide to take course to the shore. Upon reaching the shore, the narrator describes the island as always feeling like its afternoon. The island is also described as the land of streams, meaning there is plenty of water to indulge. The people are greeted by a group of people called Lotos-Eaters. These Lotos-Eaters give the new inhibiters some fruit. After eating the fruit, the people have no desire to leave the island, they have decided to live on the island permanently…  I think these people have found paradise. Why would anyone want to leave paradise?

“Ulysses” – The poem starts by Ulysses declaring that he doesn’t know a reason why he should continue living, with his old wife. Ulysses says he can’t do much anymore, but he is going to live to the fullest. He claims to be an icon for all people who want to discover new things. I think this poem describes life. Ulysses is now an old man. He doesn’t have physical endurance or the strength to do the things he used to do, but he can still do noble things at an old age. Ulysses has become the man he is through his experiences; like all his times at sea searching for new land. I think a theme of the poem is age. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, you can always do something; whether that be noble or dastardly deeds.

1)      Did the foreigners find their new home amongst the Lotos-Eaters?

2)      Is there another theme in “Ulysses”?