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Ulysses

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'Ulysses' by James Joyce is described as an experimental novel that follows the events of a single day, June 16th, 1904, in Dublin. The book delves into the lives of various characters, with a focus on Dublin school teacher Stephen Daedalus, his wife Molly Bloom, and her husband Leopold. The narrative is known for its intricate language play, stream of consciousness technique, and lack of traditional punctuation, which adds to the complexity and challenge of deciphering the plot. Readers mention that the book covers universal themes such as love, history, parenthood, friendship, and society, albeit in an obscure and oblique manner that requires deep reflection and integration to fully appreciate.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed and relatable, each reflecting different aspects of the human experience across various social and personal challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by stream of consciousness, unique chapter styles, and a dense, allusive prose that challenges traditional narrative techniques.

Plot/Storyline:

The central plot unfolds over a single day, illustrating the lives and mundane experiences of the characters while incorporating deep literary and historical references.

Setting:

Dublin serves as both the geographical and cultural backdrop of the novel, richly detailed and integral to the story.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, with some chapters moving rapidly and others requiring careful attention due to their complexity and density.
STATELY, PLUMP BUCK MULLIGAN CAME FROM THE STAIRHEAD, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed. A yellow dressinggown, ungirdled, was sustained gently behind him by the mild ...

Notes:

Ulysses by James Joyce is set on June 16, 1904, known as Bloomsday.
The novel parallels Homer's Odyssey, with characters like Leopold Bloom reflecting Odysseus.
Ulysses contains various narrative techniques and is praised for its use of stream of consciousness.
The book displays Dublin's streets and culture, making it a detailed time capsule of the city.
Joyce wrote an unpunctuated 40-page soliloquy for Molly Bloom, showcasing his experimental style.
Ulysses was banned in the U.S. for obscenity shortly after its release in 1922, leading to a famous court case.
Different chapters emulate distinct literary styles, including parodies and realistic dialogues.
The book has been marked as both a comedic and tragic reflection on mundane life.
Many readers struggle with the text due to its obscure references and complex language.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of sexual content, fluid sexuality, bodily functions, existential crises, and cultural prejudice.

Has Romance?

While romance is not the focal point, romantic elements and infidelity are present in Bloom's relationships.

From The Publisher:

Ulysses' takes place in a single day, 16 June 1904, also known as Bloomsday, it sets the characters and incidents of the Odyssey of Homer in modern Dublin and represents Odysseus (Ulysses), Penelope and Telemachus in the characters of Leopold Bloom, his wife Molly Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, and contrasts them with their lofty models. The book explores various areas of Dublin life, dwelling on its squalor and monotony. Nevertheless, the book is also an affectionately detailed study of the city. In Ulysses, Joyce employs stream of consciousness, parody, jokes, and virtually every other literary technique to present his characters. Many consider it the best novel of the twentieth century. It is powerfully written, a book for the ages.

Ratings (33)

Incredible (12)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (95):

Read It (31)
Want To Read (48)
Did Not Finish (9)
Not Interested (7)

2 comment(s)

DNF on page 243. Even if I've read that much, I didn't fully grasp the story. Can't see the bigger picture or why it's so deeply beloved as I just didn't get it. Maybe I'll have an better reading experience in a later date.

 
Incredible
4 weeks

Read along with Jim Norton and Marcella Riordan’s audiobook.

 

About the Author:

James Joyce, the twentieth century's most influential novelist, was born in Dublin on February 2, 1882. The oldest of ten children, he grew up in a family that went from prosperity to penury because of his father's wastrel behavior. After…

 
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