Explain with reference to context the following lines:
(i) Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind, In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.
Solution
These lines are from the poem “The Lotos-Eaters” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which was published in 1832. The poem is based on the story from Homer’s “Odyssey” in which Odysseus and his crew encounter the Lotos-Eaters, who offer them the fruit of the lotus plant, causing them to lose their desire to return home.
In the context of the poem, the lines represent the Lotos-Eaters’ desire to stay in their land and live a life of pleasure and ease. The use of the word “oath” suggests a solemn promise, indicating the seriousness of their desire to remain in this idyllic land. The phrase “an equal mind” suggests that they are all in agreement and united in their desire to stay.
The phrase “in the hollow Lotos-land” conjures an image of a secluded and sheltered place, far away from the troubles and worries of the outside world. The use of the word “hollow” could suggest a sense of emptiness or hollowness, indicating that this land is not all that it seems. However, it could also suggest a sense of safety and protection, as if this land is a kind of cocoon or haven.
The idea of lying “reclined on the hills like Gods together” evokes a sense of luxury and ease, as if the Lotos-Eaters are living a life of leisure and indulgence. The comparison to Gods suggests that they are living a life of ultimate pleasure and are above the concerns of mortal men. The phrase “careless of mankind” suggests that they have no interest in the outside world and are content to live in their own paradise, detached from the troubles of the world.
Overall, these lines reflect the central theme of the poem, which is the tension between the desire for pleasure and ease and the duty to fulfill one’s responsibilities in the world. The Lotos-Eaters are presented as a kind of warning, as their desire for a life of pleasure and ease ultimately leads to a kind of apathy and detachment from the world. The poem suggests that there is a balance to be struck between the pursuit of pleasure and the fulfillment of one’s responsibilities in the world.
Explain with reference to context the following lines:
(ii) No! let me taste the whole of it, fare like my peers, The heroes of old, Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad life’s arrears of pain, darkness and cold.
Solution
These lines are from the poem “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which was published in 1842. The poem is written from the perspective of Ulysses, the legendary Greek hero and king, who is now an old man and longs to leave his kingdom and go on one final adventure.
In the context of the poem, Ulysses is addressing his people, trying to convince them to let him leave and go on one final adventure. The phrase “No! let me taste the whole of it” suggests that Ulysses wants to experience everything that life has to offer, including both the good and the bad. He does not want to live a life of comfort and ease, but rather to live a life of adventure, even if it means facing pain and darkness.
The phrase “fare like my peers, the heroes of old” suggests that Ulysses wants to be like the great heroes of the past, who were known for their bravery and willingness to face adversity. He does not want to live a life of comfort and luxury, but rather to be remembered as a great hero who faced great challenges.
The phrase “Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad life’s arrears of pain, darkness and cold” suggests that Ulysses is willing to endure pain and suffering, as long as it means that he can experience the full range of human emotions and experiences. He is willing to pay his “life’s arrears” in a single moment, suggesting that he is eager to experience all that life has to offer, even if it means facing difficult challenges.
Overall, these lines reflect the central theme of the poem, which is the tension between the desire for adventure and the duty to fulfill one’s responsibilities in the world. Ulysses is presented as a kind of hero, who is willing to face great challenges and suffer great pain in order to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences. The poem suggests that there is a balance to be struck between the pursuit of adventure and the fulfillment of one’s responsibilities in the world.