Question

What is the main theme reflected in this excerpt from “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson?

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. The theme of this excerpt is that the old can regain honor by taking up challenges again.

Here, the speaker notes that his mariners are old; however, he says, "old age hath yet his honour and toil." By this he means that their work need not be done.

It is still possible for them to regain their honor through toil. "Some work of noble note, may yet be done," he says, before they die. Therefore, the main theme of this excerpt is that the old can still gain honor by taking up challenges (or toil) again.