Also, he quotes Tennyson. And I love Tennyson.
Disclaimer: The "Sample Conversation" at the end is true to form but rigged with Andrew's special brand of sarcasm. I did just do Ulysses with my college students, I do make my children write essays (though not yet on this poem), but I don't think I gave him quite this much of a hard time about it.
The pint of beer....oh, that's true, all right!
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
The last 6 lines of Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Just reread the epic poem after seeing a couple of lines in another book. Like reading it for the very first time all over again.
Mention this to my lovely bride, along with the above excerpt. Apparently she read it last week.
Nice thing about being married to a smart lady and having smart kids. Keeps you from getting up on your high horse.
Sample Conversation at the Nielsen house:
Andrew "Oh, look at how clever I am, I just reread Ulysses"
Denise "Pfft, give me a close reading and comparison with another two major epic poems and then I'll think you are scratching on the door of clever"
Erik "Don't look at me, man, that was my Mom homework last week and I only got a B minus"
Anna "Well it is supposed to be my homework this time next year, but I've already finished it. I worry about getting behind"
Grace "Tennyson didn't design rocket engines, screw him".
Andrew "Can someone bring me another pint, please?"
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
The last 6 lines of Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Just reread the epic poem after seeing a couple of lines in another book. Like reading it for the very first time all over again.
Mention this to my lovely bride, along with the above excerpt. Apparently she read it last week.
Nice thing about being married to a smart lady and having smart kids. Keeps you from getting up on your high horse.
Sample Conversation at the Nielsen house:
Andrew "Oh, look at how clever I am, I just reread Ulysses"
Denise "Pfft, give me a close reading and comparison with another two major epic poems and then I'll think you are scratching on the door of clever"
Erik "Don't look at me, man, that was my Mom homework last week and I only got a B minus"
Anna "Well it is supposed to be my homework this time next year, but I've already finished it. I worry about getting behind"
Grace "Tennyson didn't design rocket engines, screw him".
Andrew "Can someone bring me another pint, please?"
