How does Ulysses represent his son? Discuss the character of Telemachus.

 How does Ulysses represent his son? Discuss the character of Telemachus.

In Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses”, the character of Telemachus—Ulysses’ son—is briefly mentioned but described with great respect and affection. Although Telemachus appears only in a short portion of the poem, Tennyson uses this moment to draw a clear contrast between Ulysses’ restless, adventurous nature and Telemachus’ calm, responsible character. Ulysses knows that he himself is not suited for ruling the kingdom in peace and order. He finds the duties of a king—such as making laws and managing people—boring and tiresome. But he believes that Telemachus is the right person for such work. Ulysses shows his trust in his son by saying that Telemachus will “rule this people” wisely and gently in his absence.

Ulysses describes Telemachus as someone who is patient, mild, and full of devotion to his duties. He respects the “common duties” of life and performs them with care. Ulysses acknowledges that while he himself is driven by a thirst for adventure and knowledge, his son is more suited to the responsibilities of everyday life. He says that Telemachus is “blameless,” and that he will “make mild / A rugged people.” This shows that Telemachus has a civilizing and peaceful influence on the people of Ithaca. He may not be a hero in the traditional adventurous sense, but he is a hero in the way he brings order, stability, and kindness to the world he lives in.

Through the character of Telemachus, Tennyson presents a different kind of greatness. While Ulysses represents the spirit of restless ambition and exploration, Telemachus represents the value of duty, discipline, and quiet strength. Ulysses does not look down upon his son. On the contrary, he praises him for being steady, practical, and suited to rule. He is confident that Telemachus will continue his legacy in a different, more peaceful way. This contrast between father and son shows that there are many ways to lead a meaningful life—some through heroic journeys, and others through responsible leadership.

Ulysses represents Telemachus as a noble and capable young man who can carry on the responsibilities of the kingdom. Although he lacks the adventurous spirit of his father, Telemachus is admired for his maturity, patience, and sense of duty. Tennyson uses this character to highlight a key idea of the poem: that different people are called to live different lives, and all of them have their own kind of value and greatness. Telemachus, though a minor character in the poem, plays an important role in showing the balance between action and order, between youthful ambition and wise leadership.