The Coming of Old Age
(An analysis of the messages from Ulysses) “Since it is becoming difficult for the old woman to manage on her own” (Fisher). What is the prior quote implying about old age? How does one feel about the aging process, does it dramatically change one’s outlook on life? In Ulysses by Alfred Lord, Tennyson is a dramatic monologue that tells of Ulysses late life, when the great King of Ithaca and leader of the Trojan war is very old. Ulysses knows that he does not have very much time left on this earth. Therefore, Ulysses explains his purpose in life is and how he plans on spending the last moments of his life. Ulysses delivers a very optimistic and insightful perspective on becoming old and what life is like after the aging …show more content…
A twist on a old saying that makes Ulysses’ point clear, an individual can still teach an old dog tricks. Might be a bit more time consuming and have a higher level of difficulty but can be done. This same kind of concept is applicable to human beings. As declared in Ulysses, “To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought” (Tennyson 972 lines 31 & 32). The prior quote explains that one should never feel that they should stop seeking knowledge, never stop learning. For an individual can never be quenched with enough knowledge to last them a lifetime. Also, no one can say that they know “everything”; thus, one can never be finished learning in life. As demonstrated in the following quote, “To be a matter of great use and essence in studying” (Krapp). By studying one learns, and the desire to learn more and seek more knowledge must never end for an individual who wants to acquire all they can from life. Once an individual is knowledgeable they can help others and be useful. Also, the continual seeking of knowledge sparks neurons in the brain and will help keep an aging individuals mind busy and younger for a longer period of time, than an individual who doesn't engage themselves in any mental strain. Importantly, studying, learning and furthering oneselves in knowledge will allow an individual to gain social
(An analysis of the messages from Ulysses) “Since it is becoming difficult for the old woman to manage on her own” (Fisher). What is the prior quote implying about old age? How does one feel about the aging process, does it dramatically change one’s outlook on life? In Ulysses by Alfred Lord, Tennyson is a dramatic monologue that tells of Ulysses late life, when the great King of Ithaca and leader of the Trojan war is very old. Ulysses knows that he does not have very much time left on this earth. Therefore, Ulysses explains his purpose in life is and how he plans on spending the last moments of his life. Ulysses delivers a very optimistic and insightful perspective on becoming old and what life is like after the aging …show more content…
A twist on a old saying that makes Ulysses’ point clear, an individual can still teach an old dog tricks. Might be a bit more time consuming and have a higher level of difficulty but can be done. This same kind of concept is applicable to human beings. As declared in Ulysses, “To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought” (Tennyson 972 lines 31 & 32). The prior quote explains that one should never feel that they should stop seeking knowledge, never stop learning. For an individual can never be quenched with enough knowledge to last them a lifetime. Also, no one can say that they know “everything”; thus, one can never be finished learning in life. As demonstrated in the following quote, “To be a matter of great use and essence in studying” (Krapp). By studying one learns, and the desire to learn more and seek more knowledge must never end for an individual who wants to acquire all they can from life. Once an individual is knowledgeable they can help others and be useful. Also, the continual seeking of knowledge sparks neurons in the brain and will help keep an aging individuals mind busy and younger for a longer period of time, than an individual who doesn't engage themselves in any mental strain. Importantly, studying, learning and furthering oneselves in knowledge will allow an individual to gain social