Compare and contrast the themes of the poems "Ulysses" and the "Lady of Shalott," and analyze how the poet incorporates Victorian ideals into the themes. Font Sizes

The main theme of the poem "Ulysses" by Tennyson is the pursuit of knowledge and experience. Ulysses faced several challenges in his life, and now he is back in his homeland living a peaceful life. But the uneventful life of a monarch who only settles disputes does not appeal to him. He yearns for more challenges and knowledge even if he has to face hardships. He feels that inactivity will waste his strength and life:

How dull it is to pause, to make an end,

To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!

The theme of the poem is evident in the final lines:

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Despite his age, the hero thirsts for adventure and has a strong desire to seek new experiences and face new challenges.

The poem "The Lady of Shalott" has two main themes. One is the isolation an artist needs to create art and beauty. The other is the need for new challenges and experiences, even if they include risks.

The theme of exploring new challenges and experiences in "The Lady of Shalott" is similar to the theme of "Ulysses." Both the poems incorporate the Victorian ideal of acquiring knowledge.

The difference between the poems is in the expected outcome for the protagonists as they each take steps to embrace a new experience. While Ulysses is aware of the kind of dangers that he faces, he hopes to gain glory and fulfillment when he sets out on his voyage. The Lady of Shalott, on the other hand, risks bringing the curse upon herself by engaging with the real world.

"The Lady of Shalott" arguably incorporates another Victorian theme: the Victorian attitude towards women. Most Victorians believed that a woman's sphere of duty included her home and family, and that her independent interaction with the outside world was undesirable.

The central theme of "Ulysses" is the need to persevere and continue while the theme in "Lady Sharlott" is the virtue of perseverance and optimism. In the former, although Stephen has a biological father, he considers him only a father in flesh and he continues his quest for paternity. In the latter, the poem speaks of characters who embraces their destinies in life even if it is tragic.