Tennyson's abstract poetic structure offers comprehension difficulties in finding a single thematic idea. He weaves historical allusions, along with deep and personal feelings through a single work. The organic structure of some of Tennyson's poetry presents a tone of uncertainty. While his unconventional works lend a more established aura. Contrary to structure, mood and tone, “Ulysses” and “The Lady of Shalott” nurture the underlying theme of the desire to escape from their idle worlds. The Lady of Shallot was not depicted as a real character in the land of Camelot. “Only the reapers, who reap early/Among the bearded barley/Hear a song that echoes clear/From the river that winds clear (“The Lady of Shalott” 28).” Only those who venture into the fields early in the morning are reluctant enough to listen to the beautiful voice of the Lady. With an aesthetic voice, no assumptions are made to presume his unhappiness. “There she weaves day and night / A magical web of cheerful colours. / He heard a whisper say: / To look down upon Camelot. / She knows not what the curse may be, / And so weaves firmly, / And little else matters to her, / The Lady of Shalott (“The Lady of Shalott” 38). As she laces her image with happy, cheerful colors, she alludes to having no other care in the world. She will be cursed if she watches Camelot. Her weaving supersedes human involvement, due to her confinement in the tower. Similarly, Penelope used weaving as a means to prevent men from courting her while Odysseus was away, as a substitute for human interaction. Penelope used this mechanism as Odysseus reached the pinnacle of his life, fighting in the Trojan War. Now living as an “idle king (“Ulysses” 1),” he remembers the days of war... middle of paper......, / They heard her sing her last song, / The Lady of Shalott (“ The Lady of Shalott” 143).” After finally being able to recognize their true aspirations in life, the only memory that will remain is the one where they started. Tennyson's abstract poetic genius in combining historical references and deeply felt emotions causes darkness of understanding in finding a single thematic idea. The distinction woven through the works of “Ulysses” and “The Lady of Shalott” is portrayed through atmosphere, structure and tone. Although the differences vary greatly, the underlying theme of escape from their idle world appears evident in both texts. Through Odysseus, a great warrior, and The Lady of Shalott, a locked-in lover, they appear as opposing characters, their development in abandoning redundant worlds relating them in various ways..