Ulysses MCQ Questions and Answers Class 12 3rd Semester English

When was the poem “Ulysses” written and by whom?
(a) 1830, Robert Browning
(b) 1900, Charles Dickens
(c) 1833, Alfred, Lord Tennyson
(d) 1933, Rainer Maria Rilke
Ans: (c) 1833, Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Which age did the English poet, Tennyson belong to?
(a) The Victorian Age
(b) The Romantic Age
Ans: (a) The Victorian Age
Which genre of poem is “Ulysses”?
(a) Dramatic monologue
(b) Soliloquy
(c) Sonnet
(d) Epic drama
Ans: (a) Dramatic monologue
What is the setting of “Ulysses”?
(a) Atlantis
(b) Island of Blefuscu
(c) Greek island of Ithaca
(d) Elysium
Ans: (c) Greek island of Ithaca
According to mythology, Ulysses is the king of-
(a) Ithaca
(b) Illyria
(c) Troy
(d) Elysium
Ans: (a) Ithaca
In which form is “Ulysses” written?
(a) Blank or free verse
(b) Triplet
(c) Couplet
(d) Rhymed lines
Ans: (a) Blank or free verse
The poem’s title “Ulysses”, for the Greek hero, refers to the Roman name-
(a) Achilles
(b) Odysseus
(c) Hector
(d) Ajax
Ans: (b) Odysseus
Which among the following poet’s portrayal of Ulysses has a similarity with that of Tennyson’s Ulysses?
(a) Dante’s “Inferno”
(b) Euripides’ “Medea”
(c) James Joyce’s “Ulysses”
(d) Homer’s “Iliad”
Ans: (a) Dante’s “Inferno”
How many lines are there in the poem?
(a) 60
(b) 65
(c) 70
(d) 72
Ans: (c) 70
Who is the speaker/narrator/central character of the poem?
(a) Telemachus
(b) Penelope
(c) Achilles
(d) Ulysses
Ans: (d) Ulysses
Ulysses is-
(a) a lover of attaining knowledge
(b) a person who loves adventure
(c) an aspirant for the unattainable
(d) all of these
Ans: (d) all of these
From the poem, it can be understood that Ulysses is-
(a) growing old
(b) a hero
(c) the King of Ithaca
(d) all of these
Ans: (d) all of these
Who is referred to as the “idle king” in the poem?
(a) Dante
(b) Tennyson
(c) Ulysses
(d) Telemachus
Ans: (c) Ulysses
What is meant by an idle king?
(a) A king who actively rules his country.
(b) A king who travels frequently.
(c) A king who is young and inexperienced.
(d) A king who is inactive and not engaged in battles or thrilling adventures.
Ans: (d) A king who is inactive and not engaged in battles or thrilling adventures.
What does Ulysses express dissatisfaction for at the beginning of the poem?
(a) His adventurous past.
(b) His current life of inactivity as the king of Ithaca ruling his subjects.
(c) His son’s inabilities of ruling the kingdom.
(d) The state of his kingdom.
Ans: (b) His current life of inactivity as the king of Ithaca ruling his subjects.
How does Ulysses view his current role as the king of Ithaca?
(a) He finds great fulfilment through his rule.
(b) He feels discontented and bored by his duties as a king.
(c) He believes his role as a king is crucial for his people.
(d) He is focused on maintaining law and order in his kingdom.
Ans: (b) He feels discontented and bored by his duties as a king.
In the poem, what metaphor does Ulysses use to describe his present life?
(a) The still hearth
(b) A faded flower
(c) A raging storm
(d) A wandering star
Ans: (a) The still hearth
“By this still hearth…..”- Here ‘still hearth’ symbolizes-
(a) Uneventful life at home
(b) An island with few people
(c) Extinguished fire
(d) A cold and silent night
Ans: (a) Uneventful life at home
What is the significance of ‘this still hearth’ in the context of Ulysses’ life?
(a) It represents a place of comfort and peace.
(b) It symbolizes Ulysses’ desire to keep travelling.
(c) It signifies stagnation and inactivity.
(d) It is a symbol of his kingdom’s prosperity.
Ans: (c) It signifies stagnation and inactivity.
What is referred to as ‘barren crags’?
(a) The rocky island of Ithaca
(b) The little valley of Greece
(c) The battlefield of Troy
(d) The barren islands of England
Ans: (a) The rocky island of Ithaca
The ‘barren crags’ in the second line can be interpreted as a metaphor for-
(a) Ulysses’ uneventful life
(b) The rugged landscape of Ithaca
(c) The challenges of ruling a kingdom
(d) The serenity that Ulysses feels
Ans: (a) Ulysses’ uneventful life
Why does Ulysses refer to the barren crags?
(a) To highlight the fertility of his land.
(b) To emphasize the isolation and harshness of the environment of Ithaca.
(c) To show how much he loves his surroundings.
(d) To describe the beauty of his kingdom.
Ans: (b) To emphasize the isolation and harshness of the environment of Ithaca.
How does Ulysses feel about the life he currently leads, based on the phrase “By this still hearth, among these barren crags”?
(a) He feels at peace and fulfilled in his environment.
(b) He feels restless and trapped in a monotonous life.
(c) He believes he has achieved everything he wants in life.
(d) He is proud of his accomplishments and is living a peaceful retired life.
Ans: (b) He feels restless and trapped in a monotonous life.
What is the name of the ‘aged wife’ of Ulysses?
(a) Penelope
(b) Cleopatra
(c) Victoria
(d) Charlotte
Ans: (a) Penelope
What does Ulysses think of his wife, Penelope?
(a) He finds her inspiring.
(b) He views her as a suitable wife.
(c) He sees her as a companion in his adventures.
(d) He barely mentions her, implying a distance.
Ans: (d) He barely mentions her, implying a distance.
What is implied by Ulysses’ description of his wife as “aged” in the third line?
(a) She is wise and experienced.
(b) She is no longer desirable to Ulysses.
(c) She shares Ulysses’ restlessness.
(d) She is frail and dependent on Ulysses.
Ans: (b) She is no longer desirable to Ulysses.
“I mete and dole” – The quoted phrase means that Ulysses-
(a) acquires money from the state
(b) governs or rules over his subjects
(c) punishes the offenders severely
(d) takes care of his family and friends
Ans: (b) governs or rules over his subjects
“Unequal laws unto a savage race” – Here “unequal laws” mean-
(a) unproductive laws
(b) uncultured laws
(c) established laws that are not equal for all
(d) reliable laws
Ans: (c) established laws that are not equal for all
What does Ulysses mean by the line “I mete and dole/Unequal laws unto a savage race”?
(a) He is proud of his role as a king.
(b) He believes his people are civilized.
(c) He finds ruling tedious and unrewarding.
(d) He enjoys his power over others.
Ans: (c) He finds ruling tedious and unrewarding.
Who are regarded as ‘savage race’?
(a) Mariners
(b) Greeks
(c) People of Ithaca
(d) People of Sparta
Ans: (c) People of Ithaca
What does Ulysses imply by describing his subjects as ‘a savage race’?
(a) He sees his subjects as uncivilized.
(b) He respects their traditions and customs.
(c) He feels a strong connection with his subjects.
(d) He is proud of his subjects’ achievements.
Ans: (a) He sees his subjects as uncivilized.
What does the phrase “Unequal laws unto a savage race” reveal about Ulysses’ view of his own leadership?
(a) He believes he is leading his people fairly.
(b) He is critical of how he rules his people.
(c) He is proud of the laws he enforces.
(d) He feels that his laws are highly respectful towards his subjects.
Ans: (b) He is critical of how he rules his people.
What does Ulysses mean by “That hoard, and sleep, and feed….”?
(a) His subjects live simple, mundane lives without engaging in wars or adventures.
(b) His subjects are close to him but misunderstand his decisions.
(c) His subjects actively engage with him but reject his rulership.
(d) He thinks his subjects are prosperous and well-connected to him.
Ans: (a) His subjects live simple, mundane lives without engaging in wars or adventures.
The subjects of Ulysses are-
(a) well-aware of him
(b) ignorant about him
(c) his true companions
(d) eager to join his exploration
Ans: (b) ignorant about him.
What does Ulysses’ statement “know not me” indicate about his relationship with his subjects?
(a) He has a close and familiar bond with them.
(b) His subjects deeply respect and understand him.
(c) He feels unknown and unappreciated by the people he rules.
(d) He is indifferent to how his people view him.
Ans: (c) He feels unknown and unappreciated by the people he rules.
What contrast is highlighted between Ulysses and his people in the lines “That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me”?
(a) Ulysses believes his people are more aware of life’s complexities than he is.
(b) Ulysses sees his people as living simple, instinctive lives, while he feels intellectually and emotionally above them.
(c) Ulysses feels closer to his people than he ever has before.
(d) Ulysses envies his people’s way of living.
Ans: (b) Ulysses sees his people as living simple, instinctive lives, while he feels intellectually and emotionally above them.
What does Ulysses want to say by “I cannot rest from travel”?
(a) He is tired and needs to stop travelling.
(b) He is restless and has no desire to stop travelling and exploring the world.
(c) He wants to stay at home with his family.
(d) He has never travelled before.
Ans: (b) He is restless and has no desire to stop travelling and exploring the world.
What does Ulysses suggest about his future in the context of the line “I cannot rest from travel”?
(a) He wants to remain an idle king.
(b) He desires to leave behind his current life and seek adventure again.
(c) He wishes to improve his relationship with his subjects.
(d) He plans to devote more time to his kingdom and people.
Ans: (b) He desires to leave behind his current life and seek adventure again.
What is the speaker in ‘Ulysses’ longing for?
(a) A peaceful and quiet retirement
(b) New adventures and experiences
(c) The comfort of his family
(d) Forgiveness for past mistakes
Ans: (b) New adventures and experiences
What does Ulysses compare life to in the poem?
(a) A journey
(b) A dream
(c) A battle
(d) A treasure hunt
Ans: (a) A journey
What does the word ‘lees’ refer to?
(a) The surface of the ocean
(b) The sediment at the bottom of a drink
(c) A type of wine
(d) A vessel for drinking
Ans: (b) The sediment at the bottom of a drink
In the line “I will drink/Life to the lees,” Ulysses means that-
(a) he wants to live life to the fullest, embracing every experience.
(b) he wants to avoid challenges in life.
(c) he is ready to stop living an adventurous life.
(d) he wants to return to his wife and son.
Ans: (a) he wants to live life to the fullest, embracing every experience.
What does the speaker say about his past experiences?
(a) He has only experienced peace and comfort.
(b) In life, he has enjoyed and suffered greatly both in company and alone.
(c) He has lived a monotonous life without any notable experiences.
(d) He has only experienced pleasure and avoided suffering.
Ans: (b) In life, he has enjoyed and suffered greatly both in company and alone.
How does Ulysses view his past experiences?
(a) Unimportant
(b) Essential to his identity
(c) Regrettable
(d) Trivial, compared to his experience of ruling his subjects.
Ans: (b) Essential to his identity
By the phrase “those / That loved me”, Ulysses refers to-
(a) his family members
(b) his fellow warriors and companions
(c) the people he rules
(d) his enemies.
Ans: (b) his fellow warriors and companions
What does Ulysses suggest about his life when he says, “both with those / That loved me, and alone”?
(a) He travelled only in the company of friends and family.
(b) He has experienced both companionship and solitude in his journeys.
(c) He was always surrounded by people.
(d) He disliked travelling with others.
Ans: (b) He has experienced both companionship and solitude in his journeys.
What is the significance of ‘scudding drifts’ in Ulysses’ travels?
(a) It symbolizes the obstacles and challenges he faced at the sea.
(b) It represents the calm and ease of his journey.
(c) It shows that Ulysses enjoyed peaceful weather while travelling.
(d) It highlights the calmness of the sea during his travels.
Ans: (a) It symbolizes the obstacles and challenges he faced at the sea.
Hyades is a group of stars of-
(a) ‘O’ shape
(b) ‘U’ shape
(c) ‘V’ shape
(d) ‘W’ shape.
Ans: (c) ‘V’ shape
What is the effect of the ‘rainy Hyades’ on the sea?
(a) The stars calm the sea.
(b) The stars are said to cause rain and storms, disturbing the sea.
(c) The stars lead Ulysses to safety.
(d) The stars provide light and clarity over the sea.
Ans: (b) The stars are said to cause rain and storms, disturbing the sea.
What is the significance of the ‘rainy Hyades’ in the poem?
(a) It symbolizes a peaceful and serene time at sea.
(b) It represents the difficulties and challenges faced during Ulysses’ journeys.
(c) It denotes a period of rest and calm for the speaker.
(d) It is a reference to a festival celebrated on shore.
Ans: (b) It represents the difficulties and challenges faced during Ulysses’ journeys.
What do the images of ‘rainy Hyades’ and ‘scudding drifts’ symbolize about Ulysses’ personality?
(a) His desire to seek shelter from difficulties.
(b) His endurance and perseverance in the face of challenging circumstances.
(c) His willingness to give up in the face of hardship.
(d) His preference for avoiding conflict and challenges.
Ans: (b) His endurance and perseverance in the face of challenging circumstances.
Why do you think Tennyson has included the imagery of ‘scudding drifts’ and ‘rainy Hyades’ in Ulysses’ monologue?
(a) To emphasize Ulysses’ love for peaceful sea voyages.
(b) To highlight the dangers and struggles of his past journeys.
(c) To show his longing for the comfort of home.
(d) To depict his lack of experience in sea travel.
Ans: (b) To highlight the dangers and struggles of his past journeys.
The phrase “Vext the dim sea” refers to which natural phenomenon?
(a) Clear skies
(b) Calm seas
(c) Stormy weather
(d) Sunrise.
Ans: (c) Stormy weather
What does Ulysses mean by “I am become a name”?
(a) He is no longer relevant or known.
(b) He has become famous and well known for his deeds and travels.
(c) He has forgotten who he is.
(d) He is satisfied with his anonymity.
Ans: (b) He has become famous and well known for his deeds and travels.
Ulysses’ ‘hungry heart’ symbolizes –
(a) his desire for food and survival.
(b) his unquenchable thirst for adventure and knowledge.
(c) his longing to return home.
(d) his regret for past mistakes.
Ans: (b) his unquenchable thirst for adventure and knowledge.
What does Ulysses claim about his past experiences when he says, “Much have I seen and known”?
(a) He has only seen a few cities and people.
(b) He has travelled extensively and learned a lot.
(c) He has remained in his homeland his entire life.
(d) He regrets not sitting idle at his home.
Ans: (b) He has travelled extensively and learned a lot.
“Much have I seen and known” This is a classic example of-
(a) inversion or hyperbaton
(b) personification
(c) metaphor
(d) metonymy.
Ans: (a) inversion or hyperbaton
Ulysses’ reference to “cities of men and manners, climates, councils, governments” suggests that-
(a) he has only been a part of wars and battles.
(b) he has experienced and learned from a wide variety of cultures, governments, and social customs.
(c) he has focused solely on studying nature of various places.
(d) he is uninterested in human societies.
Ans: (b) he has experienced and learned from a wide variety of cultures, governments, and social customs.
What does Ulysses mean when he says “Myself not least, but honour’d of them all”?
(a) He believes he was disrespected only by his family.
(b) He feels he was regarded with the highest respect and honour wherever he travelled.
(c) He regrets not being recognized during his travels.
(d) He feels he was overlooked by others.
Ans: (b) He feels he was regarded with the highest respect and honour wherever he travelled.
In the phrase “And drunk delight of battle with my peers,” what does ‘drunk delight’ imply?
(a) He reluctantly participated in battles.
(b) He enjoyed the thrill and excitement of battles with those of equal status.
(c) He was forced into participating in battles.
(d) He regretted every moment of war and bloodshed.
Ans: (b) He enjoyed the thrill and excitement of battles with those of equal status.
What does “Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy” refer to?
(a) Ulysses’ adventures in a peaceful land.
(b) His participation in the Trojan War.
(c) His journey to a distant city.
(d) His exploration of new territories.
Ans: (b) His participation in the Trojan War.
Why is Troy described as ‘windy’ in the phrase “ringing plains of windy Troy”?
(a) It emphasizes the calm and serene environment of Troy.
(b) It highlights the chaotic, harsh conditions of the battlefield.
(c) It refers to Troy being a mountainous region.
(d) It signifies Ulysses’ journey towards Troy.
Ans: (b) It highlights the chaotic, harsh conditions of the battlefield.
In the line “Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy,” what literary device is being used?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Personification
Ans: (c) Onomatopoeia
What is the significance of Ulysses’ statement: “I am a part of all that I have met”?
(a) It shows his desire for adventure.
(b) It reflects his feeling of insignificance in comparison to the vast universe.
(c) It highlights his past achievements and the limits of human experience.
(d) It signifies his loneliness as a king.
Ans: (c) It highlights his past achievements and the limits of human experience.
Which statement best describes Ulysses’ perspective on his past battles?
(a) He regrets the violence.
(b) He glorifies them as vital experiences.
(c) He dismisses them as unimportant.
(d) He fears their consequences.
Ans: (b) He glorifies them as vital experiences.
The speaker describes all his experiences as an arch through which-
(a) he can see the fading margin of an untravelled sea.
(b) he gains knowledge of the extraterrestrial world.
(c) he finds eternal peace.
(d) he becomes a name.
Ans: (a) he can see the fading margin of an untravelled sea.
What metaphor does Ulysses use to describe experience?
(a) A sinking ship
(b) A dark road
(c) An arch
(d) A mountain
Ans: (c) An arch.
Which literary device is employed in “Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades”?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Imagery
(d) Personification
Ans: (c) Imagery
What does Ulysses’ yearning for the untravell’d world symbolize?
(a) His satisfaction with his current life.
(b) His inability to appreciate his kingdom.
(c) His search for a higher purpose.
(d) His fear of death and ending.
Ans: (c) His search for a higher purpose.
According to Ulysses, what happens when he moves towards the ‘untravell’d world’?
(a) The world becomes clearer.
(b) The margin of the new world fades forever.
(c) The journey becomes impossible.
(d) He finds treasure.
Ans: (b) The margin of the new world fades forever.
What does Ulysses imply by the phrase ‘untravell’d world’?
(a) A world he has already seen.
(b) The unknown future and experiences yet to come.
(c) A place he is afraid to visit.
(d) A metaphor for past experiences.
Ans: (b) The unknown future and experiences yet to come.
What does Ulysses say about the ‘untravell’d world’?
(a) It is dark and dangerous.
(b) It is distant and unreachable.
(c) It shines with the promise of new experiences.
(d) It is the place he does not want to explore.
Ans: (c) It shines with the promise of new experiences.
How does Ulysses view the concept of experience based on “whose margin fades for ever and forever when I move”?
(a) Experience is a limited collection of knowledge.
(b) Experience constantly opens new possibilities and horizons.
(c) Experience is something to be feared.
(d) Experience makes life monotonous.
Ans: (b) Experience constantly opens new possibilities and horizons.
What does Ulysses suggest about movement and exploration in “For ever and forever when I move”?
(a) Movement prevents him from understanding the world.
(b) Exploration constantly reveals more of the unknown.
(c) Movement has no impact on his experiences.
(d) He is tired of constant movement.
Ans: (b) Exploration constantly reveals more of the unknown.
What does Ulysses imply about the nature of life when he says, “How dull it is to pause, to make an end”?
(a) Life should be static.
(b) It is important to stop somewhere.
(c) Life should be in constant motion.
(d) Life is enjoyed the most while resting.
Ans: (c) Life should be in constant motion.
Which phrase describes Ulysses’ view of life when it is not active?
(a) “Life piled on life”
(b) “To rust unburnish’d”
(c) “The utmost bound of human thought”
(d) “To follow knowledge like a sinking star”
Ans: (b) “To rust unburnish’d”
Which theme is primarily reflected in the line “To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use”?
(a) The inevitability of death
(b) The value of action and purpose
(c) The burden of ageing
(d) The loss of identity
Ans: (b) The value of action and purpose.
To shine in use” suggests:
(a) Ulysses’ desire to remain active
(b) Ulysses’ wish to become famous
(c) Ulysses’ longing for a peaceful retirement
(d) Ulysses’ fear of being forgotten.
Ans: (a) Ulysses’ desire to remain active
‘Rust’ in “To rust unburnish’d” symbolizes:
(a) Old age and inactivity
(b) Wisdom gained through experience
(c) A life full of achievements
(d) Youth and strength.
Ans: (a) Old age and inactivity
“As tho’ to breathe were life” suggests:
(a) Breathing is all that matters to live.
(b) Mere existence is not living.
(c) Breathing defines life.
(d) Life is purely physical.
Ans: (b) Mere existence is not living.
“Life piled on life/ Were all too little” means:
(a) One life is not enough to experience everything he desires.
(b) He wishes to live only one life.
(c) He is content with the life he has lived.
(d) To him life is excessive and overwhelming.
Ans: (a) One life is not enough to experience everything he desires.
“Every hour is saved /From that eternal silence” means:
(a) He is waiting for death.
(b) Every moment of life is an opportunity to explore something new.
(c) Time is limited yet invaluable.
(d) He fears silence.
Ans: (b) Every moment of life is an opportunity to explore something new.
Eternal silence’ refers to-
(a) the peace of retirement
(b) the end of all exploration
(c) death and the cessation of life
(d) ultimate knowledge.
Ans: (c) death and the cessation of life
The phrase ‘eternal silence’ is an example of-
(a) an irony
(b) an euphemism
(c) a periphrasis
(d) a synecdoche
Ans: (b) an euphemism
Ulysses does not want to-
(a) hoard and sleep
(b) sit by the still hearth
(c) both (a) & (b)
Ans: (c) both (a) & (b)
What does Ulysses mean by “For some three suns to store and hoard myself”?
(a) He wants to hoard wealth.
(b) He doesn’t want to waste time doing nothing.
(c) He is saving his knowledge to teach his son.
(d) He desires to be idle.
Ans: (b) He doesn’t want to waste time doing nothing.
What type of spirit does Ulysses claim to have?
(a) A tired spirit
(b) A cowardly spirit
(c) A gray spirit yearning for more
(d) A defeated spirit.
Ans: (c) A gray spirit yearning for more
Ulysses’ ‘gray spirit yearning for-
(a) rest and relaxation
(b) death and peace
(c) adventure and new knowledge
(d) time with family.
Ans: (c) adventure and new knowledge
What feeling does Ulysses express in the lines “this gray spirit yearning in desire”?
(a) Satisfaction with his accomplishments
(b) A deep longing for new challenges and experiences
(c) Contentment in his old age
(d) Fear of the unknown.
Ans: (b) A deep longing for new challenges and experiences
In the context of the poem, what does Ulysses mean by “To follow knowledge like a sinking star”?
(a) His pursuit of wisdom is fading.
(b) Knowledge is always unattainable.
(c) His desire for knowledge leads him to an inevitable decline.
(d) Even though he is about to die, he would seek for more knowledge.
Ans: (d) Even though he is about to die, he would seek for more knowledge.
In the phrase “To follow knowledge like a sinking star,” which literary device is used?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Hyperbole
Ans: (a) Simile
Ulysses mean by “Beyond the utmost bound of human thought”
(a) He wants to push the limits of what is known or imaginable to humans.
(b) He believes knowledge has clear boundaries.
(c) He is content with the knowledge he has gained so far.
(d) He no longer wishes to pursue knowledge.
Ans: (a) He wants to push the limits of what is known or imaginable to humans.
Who is Ulysses’ son mentioned in the poem?
(a) Achilles
(b) Telemachus
(c) Hector
(d) Agamemnon
Ans: (b) Telemachus
In the line “This is my son, mine own Telemachus,” what is the significance of the word ‘own’?
(a) It shows Ulysses’ pride in his son.
(b) It suggests Ulysses’ sense of ownership over Telemachus.
(c) It indicates that Ulysses doubts Telemachus’ abilities.
(d) It implies that Telemachus is the only child of Ulysses.
Ans: (a) It shows Ulysses’ pride in his son.
Whom does Ulysses name as his heir in the poem?
(a) His wife, Penelope.
(b) His friend, Argos.
(c) His son, Telemachus.
(d) None.
Ans: (c) His son, Telemachus.
To whom does Ulysses wish to leave his sceptre and the island when he sets out for a voyage?
(a) Telemachus
(b) Achilles
(c) Penelope
(d) His peers
Ans: (a) Telemachus
The sceptre is the symbol of-
(a) Drama and amusement
(b) Peace and old age
(c) Justice and power
(d) Happiness and joy
Ans: (c) Justice and power
How does Ulysses describe his son, Telemachus?
(a) Heroic and noble
(b) Weak and timid
(c) Well-loved, discerning and prudent
(d) Rebellious and adamant
Ans: (c) Well-loved, discerning and prudent
What does Ulysses mean by saying Telemachus is “discerning to fulfil / This labour”?
(a) Telemachus is hesitant to take on the responsibility.
(b) Telemachus is wise and capable of ruling the kingdom.
(c) Telemachus is reluctant to succeed Ulysses.
(d) Telemachus is unprepared for the task of ruling a kingdom.
Ans: (b) Telemachus is wise and capable of ruling the kingdom.
What is the meaning of ‘soft degrees’?
(a) Gently
(b) Gradually
(c) Honestly
(d) Both (a) & (b)
Ans: (d) Both (a) & (b)
“Most blameless is he”-Who is he?
(a) Ulysses
(b) Paris
(c) Telemachus
(d) Achilles
Ans: (c) Telemachus
Why does Ulysses consider Telemachus “most blameless”?
(a) He is a warrior like his father.
(b) He is dutiful, practical, faultless and virtuous.
(c) He is adventurous and curious.
(d) He is rebellious and independent.
Ans: (b) He is dutiful, practical, faultless and virtuous.
What is the significance of Ulysses’ description of Telemachus as “blameless”?
(a) It shows Ulysses’ anger on Telemachus.
(b) It highlights Telemachus’ lack of ambition.
(c) It suggests that Telemachus is unsuited for adventure.
(d) It contrasts with Ulysses’ own restlessness and desire for more experiences.
Ans: (d) It contrasts with Ulysses’ own restlessness and desire for more experiences.
What does the phrase “centered in the sphere / Of common duties” imply about Telemachus?
(a) He is focused on everyday responsibilities.
(b) He is burdened by mundane tasks.
(c) He is limited by his lack of imagination.
(d) He is indifferent to his duties.
Ans: (a) He is focused on everyday responsibilities.
In the poem ‘offices of tenderness” means-
(a) Household duties
(b) Tender nature
(c) Duties towards the subjects
(d) Both (a) & (b)
Ans: (a) Household duties
How does Ulysses view the concept of duty?
(a) As a necessary evil
(b) As something that should be delegated
(c) As less important than the pursuit of personal goals
(d) As his primary obligation
Ans: (c) As less important than the pursuit of personal goals
The speaker emphasizes the importance of showing-
(a) Utmost loyalty to the ruler
(b) Sheer obedience to the rules and regulations
(c) Adoration to household gods
(d) Respect to the mariners
Ans: (c) Adoration to household gods
What is the significance of Ulysses leaving the ‘household gods’ to Telemachus?
(a) It symbolizes the transfer of domestic responsibility.
(b) It shows Ulysses’ rejection of his heritage.
(c) It indicates Ulysses’ abandonment of his faith.
(d) It implies that Ulysses no longer cares about his family.
Ans: (a) It symbolizes the transfer of domestic responsibility.
“He works his work, I mine.” Here ‘he’ refers to
(a) Ulysses
(b) Telemachus
(c) Tennyson
(d) Achilles
Ans: (b) Telemachus
The line “He works his work, I mine” emphasizes-
(a) The difference in character and purpose between Ulysses and Telemachus
(b) Ulysses’ disapproval of Telemachus’ methods of ruling the kingdom
(c) The similarity between Ulysses and Telemachus
(d) Ulysses’ regret over his son’s choices
Ans: (a) The difference in character and purpose between Ulysses and Telemachus
In line 44, “There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail,” what does the ‘vessel’ symbolize?
(a) Ulysses’ escape from reality
(b) Ulysses’ journey towards death
(c) Ulysses’ opportunity for new adventures
(d) Ulysses’ final journey back home
Ans: (c) Ulysses’ opportunity for new adventures
The phrase “There gloom the dark, broad seas” suggests-
(a) The dangers that lie ahead
(b) Ulysses’ fear of the unknown
(c) Ulysses’ reluctance to leave Ithaca
(d) The calmness of the ocean
Ans: (a) The dangers that lie ahead
Who are the ‘mariners’ that Ulysses refers to in the poem?
(a) His family
(b) His loyal and obedient children
(c) His loyal subjects
(d) His brave and loyal sailors and companions
Ans: (d) His brave and loyal sailors and companions
In the poem, Ulysses refers to his mariners as “Souls that have toil’d, and wrought, and thought with me.” What does this indicate about his relationship with them?
(a) They are merely his subordinates.
(b) They are his equals and comrades.
(c) They are reluctant followers.
(d) They are unimportant to Ulysses.
Ans: (b) They are his equals and comrades.
The phrase “The thunder and the sunshine” refers to-
(a) Good weather
(b) Bad weather
(c) Both good and bad weather
(d) None of these
Ans: (c) Both good and bad weather
What is the significance of ‘free foreheads’ mentioned in the poem?
(a) Freedom from slavery
(b) Beheading in wars
(c) Unburdened minds
(d) Unimaginative minds
Ans: (c) Unburdened minds
The line “Free hearts, free foreheads” highlights-
(a) The mariners’ independence and courage
(b) The mariners’ obedience towards Ulysses
(c) The mariners’ desire and defiance
(d) The mariners’ loyalty to Ulysses
Ans: (a) The mariners’ independence and courage
What does Ulysses suggest about old age?
(a) It is a time for rest.
(b) It is without honour.
(c) It still holds opportunities for noble deeds.
(d) It should be spent in solitude.
Ans: (c) It still holds opportunities for noble deeds.
The phrase ‘Death closes all’ is an example of-
(a) Alliteration
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Simile
Ans: (c) Personification
What does the line “Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods” suggest about the men described?
(a) They were foolish to challenge the Gods.
(b) They were daring enough to challenge the Gods.
(c) They were afraid of the Gods.
(d) They had treated their opponents as Gods.
Ans: (b) They were daring enough to challenge the Gods.
Describe the character of Ulysses and his fellow mariners.
(a) They were constantly seeking wealth.
(b) They were engaged in mundane tasks.
(c) They exhibit valour and nobility.
(d) They avoided any kind of challenges.
Ans: (c) They exhibit valour and nobility.
What do the ‘lights’ in the line “The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks” symbolize?
(a) Stars in the night sky
(b) Lanterns of sailors
(c) Reflection of moon on the water
(d) Bonfire on the shore
Ans: (a) Stars in the night sky.
The action that is being described by ‘push off’ is-
(a) Setting sail on a new voyage
(b) Anchoring a ship
(c) Building a ship
(d) Fishing by the shore
Ans: (a) Setting sail on a new voyage
Sitting well in order implies that the men on the ship are-
(a) Disorganized and unprepared
(b) Ready and disciplined
(c) Resting and relaxing
(d) Fearful and hesitant
Ans: (b) Ready and disciplined
The imagery evoked by the phrase ‘sounding furrows’ is of-
(a) A calm and still sea
(b) Gentle ripples in the sea
(c) Deep and powerful waves of the ocean
(d) A quiet and serene landscape
Ans: (c) Deep and powerful waves of the ocean
What does Ulysses’ desire to sail beyond the sunset symbolize?
(a) His acceptance of old age.
(b) His wish to escape reality.
(c) His ambition to explore the unknown.
(d) His readiness to retire.
Ans: (c) His ambition to explore the unknown.
Ulysses convinced his sailors that the gulfs may wash them down or they may touch the-
(a) Shining star
(b) Peak of Mount Everest
(c) Happy Isles
(d) Wonderland
Ans: (c) Happy Isles
Ulysses gave an idea to his sailors that the last voyage might be an opportunity for them to see-
(a) Endymion
(b) Zeus
(c) Achilles
(d) Samson Agonistes
Ans: (c) Achilles
Achilles is the great Greek-
(a) Musician
(b) Singer
(c) Warrior
(d) Dancer
Ans: (c) Warrior
“We are not now…in old days” – Here Ulysses admits that they now lack the required-
(a) Wealth
(b) Wisdom
(c) Strength
(d) Experience
Ans: (c) Strength
The phrase ‘one equal temper of heroic hearts’ symbolizes that-
(a) Ulysses and his mariners have equal hunger for money.
(b) Ulysses and his mariners are afraid of the unknown.
(c) Ulysses and his mariners are equally brave and have the same heroic temperament.
(d) Ulysses and his mariners fought bravely against Achilles.
Ans: (c) Ulysses and his mariners are equally brave and have the same heroic temperament.
How might the phrase ‘Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will’ relate to the human condition?
(a) It reflects the inevitability of ageing and the loss of strength.
(b) It suggests that human willpower can overcome any obstacle.
(c) It implies that physical strength is more important than mental resolve.
(d) It highlights the futility of resisting fate.
Ans: (a) It reflects the inevitability of ageing and the loss of strength.
The strong will force of Ulysses is best expressed in which of the following lines?
(a) “Grow old along with me”
(b) “Much have I seen and known”
(c) “I yearn for the old familiar ways”
(d) “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”
Ans: (d) “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”
What is the effect of the poem’s ending line, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”?
(a) It offers a resolution to Ulysses’ internal conflict.
(b) It leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension.
(c) It reaffirms Ulysses’ commitment to his ideals.
(d) It suggests that Ulysses is ultimately defeated by time.
Ans: (c) It reaffirms Ulysses’ commitment to his ideals.
In Tennyson’s “Ulysses”, the speaker reflects on a life of-
(a) Peaceful contentment
(b) Restless adventure
(c) Deep religious faith
(d) Crushing defeat
Ans: (b) Restless adventure
How does the speaker describe his travels and experiences?
(a) As mundane and uneventful.
(b) As a journey through familiar cities and friendly lands.
(c) As extensive and filled with significant encounters and knowledge.
(d) As a series of short trips with little impact on him.
Ans: (c) As extensive and filled with significant encounters and knowledge.
What does Ulysses’ desire to continue travelling reveal about his character?
(a) He is tired of life.
(b) He is a lover of knowledge and adventure.
(c) He is afraid of travelling.
(d) He wants to stay with his family.
Ans: (b) He is a lover of knowledge and adventure.
Ulysses reflects a passion for-
(a) Love and leisure
(b) Knowledge and adventure
(c) Inaction and bliss
(d) Love and hate
Ans: (b) Knowledge and adventure
Which theme is explored through Ulysses’ desire to continue exploring the unknown world?
(a) The futility of ambition
(b) The transience of human life
(c) The quest for knowledge and adventure
(d) The conflict between fame and desire
Ans: (c) The quest for knowledge and adventure
Based on Ulysses’ reflections, which of the following statements best represents his philosophy on life?
(a) Life is best lived in quiet contemplation.
(b) Life should be an endless pursuit of new experiences.
(c) Life is about fulfilling one’s duties to others.
(d) Life is meaningless without companionship.
Ans: (b) Life should be an endless pursuit of new experiences.
Given the entire poem, how does Ulysses view ageing?
(a) As a time for rest and reflection
(b) As an opportunity to accumulate wisdom
(c) As something to be resisted by seeking new adventures
(d) As the inevitable end of human desires
Ans: (c) As something to be resisted by seeking new adventures.
How does Ulysses view death, based on the lines of the poem?
(a) As something to be feared
(b) As an end to be embraced
(c) As an inevitable silence
(d) As a motivator to continue living fully
Ans: (d) As a motivator to continue living fully
What is the main conflict explored in ‘Ulysses’?
(a) The fear of ageing and mortality
(b) The challenge of remaining loyal to one’s homeland
(c) The struggle between duty and personal desire
(d) The longing for a simpler, more peaceful life
Ans: (c) The struggle between duty and personal desire
Which line from the poem expresses Ulysses’ desire for continued exploration?
(a) “How dull it is to pause, to make an end, / To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!”
(b) “I must forget what I was, but feel the lapse of manhood in my face.”
(c) “More sacks to the mill!”
(d) “Though much is taken, much is left behind.”
Ans: (a) “How dull it is to pause, to make an end, / To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!”
What does Ulysses decide to do at the end of the poem?
(a) Remain at home
(b) Hand over his kingdom to Penelope
(c) Go on one last adventure
(d) Accept his fate and retire
Ans: (c) Go on one last adventure
How does the poem reflect Victorian ideals?
(a) Through the glorification of domestic life.
(b) Through the emphasis on continuous striving and exploration.
(c) Through the condemnation of war.
(d) Through the rejection of ambition.
Ans: (b) Through the emphasis on continuous striving and exploration.
What does Ulysses imply about the nature of human existence?
(a) It is static and unchanging.
(b) It is a constant pursuit of new experiences.
(c) It is meant to be lived in isolation.
(d) It should be focused on domestic responsibilities.
Ans: (b) It is a constant pursuit of new experiences.
How does the poem “Ulysses” address the theme of identity?
(a) It suggests that identity is tied to one’s past accomplishments.
(b) It explores the tension between Ulysses’ roles as a king, a father, and an adventurer.
(c) It implies that identity is fixed and unchangeable.
(d) It shows Ulysses’ struggle to maintain his identity in the face of ageing.
Ans: (b) It explores the tension between Ulysses’ roles as a king, a father, and an adventurer.
How does the poem’s use of mythological references enhance its meaning?
(a) It makes the poem more difficult to understand.
(b) It ties Ulysses’ personal journey to universal themes of heroism and exploration.
(c) It diminishes the importance of Ulysses’ internal struggles.
(d) It distracts readers from the poem’s central message.
Ans: (b) It ties Ulysses’ personal journey to universal themes of heroism and exploration.
How does the imagery of the sea contribute to the poem’s themes?
(a) It represents the dangers and uncertainties of life.
(b) It symbolizes the calm and peace that Ulysses seeks.
(c) It reflects the isolation that Ulysses feels.
(d) It highlights Ulysses’ desire to return home.
Ans: (a) It represents the dangers and uncertainties of life.
What effect does the use of enjambment have in the poem?
(a) It creates a sense of continuity and forward momentum.
(b) It makes the poem feel disjointed and fragmented.
(c) It emphasizes the importance of each individual line.
(d) It disrupts the poem’s rhythm and pace.
Ans: (a) It creates a sense of continuity and forward momentum.
What emotion does Ulysses express about his future in this poem?
(a) Indifference
(b) Hopeful yearning
(c) Fear of the unknown
(d) Resentment
Ans: (b) Hopeful yearning
In what way does the poem ‘Ulysses’ reflect Romantic ideals?
(a) It emphasizes the power of nature over human endeavour.
(b) It glorifies individualism and the pursuit of personal goals.
(c) It advocates for political revolution.
(d) It promotes the idea of predestination
Ans: (b) It glorifies individualism and the pursuit of personal goals.

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Ulysses MCQ Questions and Answers Class 12 3rd Semester English

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