It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
This is an extract from "Ulysses", a famous dramatic monologue, composed by Tennyson who had been the Poet Laureate of the Victorian period. Here Ulysses hints at the possible consequences of their new adventure reflecting the Victorian spirit.
Ulysses returned home after twenty years of troublesome journey. But the family life failed to attract him. He decides to start a new voyage with his comrades who accompanied him in the Trojan War. He addresses his old companions to encourage them. He says that he will continue his adventurous journey in search of new experiences till his death. He plans to go beyond the horizon where the sun sets. He says there is possibility that they will be drowned in the deep ocean and die. In that case, after their death, they will reach the Happy Isle in the under world. The Happy Isle is a heavenly place where the virtuous people are allowed to live after death. Ulysses thinks that they have lived virtuous life on earth, and so, they deserve this place where heroes like Achilles live. Achilles was the greatest warrior in the Trojan War. Ulysses hopes that, if they die in their new adventure, they will meet Achilles who is already dead.
