The Novel is full of political ideas and thoughts (Irish Revolution and WWI), episode 12 introduces the Citizen, known from his anti-Semitic and chauvinist theories, whose disorientated views correspond symbolically with Cyclop - one eyed creature from Odyssey.The novel should be seen not only in a valuable artistic light but also in historical, religious and political context. The war in chapter 6 shows naturalistic descriptions from World War I, bodies in trenches, “bottles to become hero” as well as reference to the times when movements towards Irish Revolution began (naturalism). “Before Nelson’s pillar trams slowed, shunned (…)” – Irish fighting for Independence which was very much a battle for Identity. Pillars - symbol of British power (Nelson). Joyce also tries to show brutal ideas of the past- high ideas and concepts that caused the war.
In episode 5, Stephen and Bloom’s character become connected through Stephen’s father Simon (Dedalus). Leonard and Simon have a conversation on various forms of death on their way to the funeral. “Inked characters fast fading the frayed breaking paper. (…) Sadly missed. To the inexpressible grief of his. Aged 88 after a long and tedious illness. (…) Oh whose soul sweet Jesus have mercy.” Biblical references are used numerously in the Novel, “ Drown Barabbas! Mr Dedalus cried. I wish to Christ he did!” (Barabbas, the apostle, betrayer who was paid 30silvers to give out Jesus to the King Harold’s soldiers by kissing Jesus on the chick)
Novel uses parallel as a narrative tool. Moly is set to be having sex with her lover, Boylan, at 4pm, while Leonard who is in the other side of the city is buying her a present. At the same time Stephen on the other site of the city, meets his sister Dilly and uncle Ritchie Goulding.Sexual acts reflect suppressed needs and forbidden desires through Leonard Bloom as well as his wife Molly, cheating on each other; Molly’s sexual scenes with her lover and sexual fantasies especially in the last episode with Molly’s inner monologue (Another stream of consciousness, 8 big sentences with no punctuation, flow of the mind) that finishes the novel at the end of the day (17th June 1904), before she falls asleep.
Inspiration:
Ulysses, James Joyce
Winchester University Journalism Course
History and Context of Journalism Part III, Lecture week 3 and 4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulysses_(novel)
