Question

Read the sets of lines from the poem and answer the questions that follow.

 ‘‘That ever with a frolic welcome took The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed”

(i) What do ‘thunder’ and ‘sunshine’ refer to?

(ii) What do we infer about the attitude of the sailors?

Answer 1

(i) Thunder and sunshine refers to misfortunes and happy days. Ulysses and his comrades had undergone both kinds of experiences.

(ii) The sailors shared the undying quest for exploration, adventure and for seeking newer knowledge in the untravelled world. They even welcomed dangers in fighting with Gods. They enjoyed the thrill of action and never worried about the outcome of battles or quests. They have equal temper of heroic hearts.