Summary

The poem begins with Ulysses's description of his role as king. He feels it "little profits" him or his "aged wife" Penelope to rule (1-3). He looks down on the "savage race" of people he must rule (4). Even though he is finally home, he "cannot rest" from travel (6). He reflects on the highs and lows of his ten-year journey and his reputation for wandering. He feels he is "a part of all that I have met" (18). He finds it difficult to relax even though he is home, and longs to continue to learn and explore.

Next, Ulysses discusses his relationships with his son Telemachus. He has made Telemachus his heir, and thinks he is much more suited to rule. Telemachus has the patience and the ability to govern the people of Ithaca. He concludes that Telemachus has "his work, I mine" – that father and...