Final answer:
The reference lines from Tennyson's 'Ulysses' suggest a drive for continual personal growth and adventure in the face of aging, embodying the theme that experience and growth are preferable to a life of passivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seems to be referring to Tennyson's poem 'Ulysses' rather than Keats's poem since it asks about the feelings of Ulysses on aging and his attitude towards life which are themes present in Tennyson's poem. Since the student's question includes a specific line reference (lines 58-61), we would need the text of Tennyson's 'Ulysses' to provide an accurate analysis of Ulysses' purpose and his views on aging and life. However, generally speaking from the poem, Ulysses expresses a desire to continue seeking knowledge and adventure despite his aging, showcasing a restless spirit that yearns for meaning beyond a sedentary life. This reflects a broader literary theme of valuing personal growth and experience over the passivity that can come with old age.
Regarding the broader question of literature's role, from the reference materials provided, we know that literature often mirrors life, presenting themes, questions, and conflicts that resonate across cultures and time periods. Literature is meant to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and reflect the human experience. A writer may be influenced by a myriad of factors, including personal experiences, historical context, and existing works of art or literature.