Ulysses Perseverance Quotes Page 1
Line Number
| Quote #1 I cannot rest from travel; I will drink |
Ulysses cannot stop moving; he is synonymous with perseverance and living life to the fullest. He will keep drinking that bottle until it's all gone; and we believe him because he says it with such conviction. He doesn't say "I want to" or "I should," but "I will," as if he were reminding us of his own "will" to persevere.
| Quote #2 But something ere the end, |
Even though death is approaching, Ulysses won't give up; he wants to do one more thing, but he's not sure what. It's a "work of noble note," which suggests he doesn't just want to go exploring, he wants to make a splash. He remains committed to doing big things in the world. He did once fight against the gods, after all.
| Quote #3 Push off, and sitting well in order smite |
Ulysses proves he means business; he orders his mariners to set sail, and he tells them to get those oars moving too. He has a "purpose" or goal that he wants to pursue – to sail really far away – and he's willing to leave behind a happy life in pursuit of that goal. Perhaps that is the "work of noble note" he refers to in line 52.
