Is Ulysses' positive side, seen in the love of travel and knowledge, more persuasive than his negative side, seen in the disowning of his subjects and...

There is
little doubt that this is a tough question.  It is so difficult because there is not a singular
or clear answer to it.  Like Tennyson's construction of , it is complex.  I would suggest that
the answer depends largely on what one values.

Tennyson, himself, does not
give a "moralistic" answer.  He does not make it easy for the reader.  He constructs a
figure that is ragingly complex.  In doing so, one has to examine how Ulysses is developed.
 Indeed, there is much in Ulysses where admiration can be found.  The opening line that speaks
against an "idle king" is a part of this.  Ulysses is constructive enough to
understand that he is not being of any real, tangible use back in Ithaca.  Telemachus has proven
skilled enough to handle the responsibilities that are required as "he works his
work."  At the same time, Odysseus wishes to avoid a condition in which he does not
"shine in use."  Odysseus is afraid of wasting away, to a great extent.  He makes
 clear that his experiences have left an imprint on him:  "I am a part of all that I have
met."  Acting upon these becomes vitally important for him.  Odysseus'in the poem is one
that illuminates these qualities within him.

Yet, it is hard to leave the
poem without a realization that he is unable to adapt to what life is from an emotionally
intimate point of view.  Life at home is viewed in a negative light.  It is viewed as a mundane
existence.  Odysseus offers little in way of emotional exploration with the people that he
struggled mightily to reunite.  He hardly speaks of Penelope, whose faithfulness and sense of
honor is not acknowledged.  He speaks of Telemachus in the previously mentioned professional
tone.  Yet, Odysseus fails to see "the emotional odyssey" that can exist between the
people in his life and his subjects.  He defines consciousness in external terms and not with an
emotional understanding.  Odysseus could immerse himself in an emotional quest with others by
hearing them, being with them, and living life in communion with them.  This is not mentioned.
 Odysseus only defines being as an external notion of the good.  He stands at the end of the
poem as what can be described as a "melancholic figure."  This helps to reinforce to
me that the source of his melancholy is a forlorn condition that will remain with him.  Even if
he sets off to voyages, he will always be alone.  With the abdication of emotional connection to
his subjects and family, this is the image that remains in my mind and seems to overcome all
else.