In today's society, people are often remembered for their accomplishments. Whether it is winning a basketball game with a last second shot, or leading a country or nation. Some of us worry about how we are perceived in the public eye. Others live life to the fullest, caring only to do what makes them happy. In comparison, the poems "To an Athlete Dying Young" and "Ulysses" deals with these issues, but from different points of view.
Both characters have achieved a form on greatness. The young athlete had won a race for his town. This must have been a great honor, because everyone cheered him. Ulysses has lead a life of a king. Seeing and doing things that will always remain with him. Both men have found glory, and die in this spotlight. In "To an Athlete Dying Young," the narrator is giving us a eulogy of the athlete. Reminding the reader that this athlete died at the top of his game. Similarly, the narrator of "Ulysses" reminds us that he is still king, and his legacy will live on through his son. .
While reading these poems, I found that the most compelling similarities are in the attitude of each narrator. The actions of both these main characters transcend the sadness of .
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death, in that, no matter when death came, they were doing things that they enjoy. .
These poems contrast greatly in the time of death. The title "To an Athlete Dying Young" implies an early death. The narrator is not the athlete himself, giving us his story. Instead, it seems to be a friend or relative, praising the young athlete for going out on top. Dying young, in his prime, so to speak. When he dies, he is still the defending race champion. Although this would be a great way to go, he did not live to see a family, or see others try to take his championship cup. In "Ulysses", the narrator is the king himself. He thinks the longer he lives, the more people will "know" him. This being different to dying after some great accomplishment.