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daimonclub · 5 months

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Ezra Pound the best craftsman

Ezra Pound the best craftsman Ezra Pound the best craftsman as Eliot called him, an article that synthetically explains the linguistic art and poetics of this great poet, with some examples of his writing style and deep literary meaning. I have never known anyone worth a damn who wasn't irascible. Ezra Pound I guess the definition of a lunatic is a man surrounded by them. Ezra Pound A slave is one who waits for someone to come and free him. Ezra Pound The real trouble with war (modern war) is that it gives no one a chance to kill the right people. Ezra Pound I could I trust starve like a gentleman. It's listed as part of the poetic training, you know. Ezra Pound No man understands a deep book until he has seen and lived at least part of its contents. Ezra Pound For Ezra Pound il miglior fabbro. The dedication is drawn from The Divine Comedy, the 14th century epic poem by Dante. The Divine Comedy is divided into three parts - Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso - describing Dante's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and finally Paradise. Eliot returns to this poem throughout The Waste Land. Here, the dedication translates as “the better craftsman,” a reference to Canto 26 of the Purgatorio. Dante refers to the poet Arnault Daniel, but Eliot passes the compliment on to Pound, who helped edit The Waste Land. Eliot returns to the same canto in line 428. More context, from the Cotter translation of the Purgatorio: “O brother, the one I point to with my finger,” He spoke, and pointed to a soul in front, “Was a better craftsman of the mother tongue.” This information is based on a footnote from North (2001). For more on Pound's contributions, see the annotated manuscript of The Waste Land in Eliot (1971). Ezra Weston Loomis Pound was an American expatriate poet, critic and intellectual who was a major figure of the Modernist movement in early-to-mid 20th century poetry. Born in Halley, Idaho, (1885-1972) Pound spent most of his life in Europe. In 1908, in his mid-twenties, he went to London because he wanted to meet the greatest living poet, W.B. Yeats, settled there and became a central figure in the literary and artistic world. He founded and led a poetic movement called "Imagism", which reacted against 'Romanticism' and contributed greatly to the development of "Modernism". For some time he was also involved in "Vorticism", an art movement initiated in 1913 by Wyndham Lewis, which combined cubism and the celebration of the energy and speed of the machine age, very much like Futurism in Italy. In 1909 he published Personae, a collection of poems after the manner of the Victorian poet Robert Browning, whose dramatic monologue technique he employed to speak through the voice of others. A "persona" was the mask worn by Roman actors, and Pound used the mask to avoid subjectivity, which the imagists objected to in Romantic poetry. Gradually, Pound started moving away from the constraints of Imagism, and translated from Anglo Saxon and Chinese verse to explore different forms. In 1917 he also started writing the Cantos, a series of poems inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy and Homer's Odyssey, which he would work on for the rest of his life, while Hugh Selwyn Mauberley (1920) perhaps the first great modernist poem, attacks the destruction of the First World War and initiates one of Pound's main themes: the relationship between civilization and its economic and social basis. From 1920 he lived in Paris with his wife and became part of the new literary scene with expatriate Americans like Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway. In Paris he also met James Joyce, then an obscure writer, and helped him publish Ulysses, which had censorship problems in England.

The art of Ezra Pound In 1929 Pound settled in Rapallo, Italy. He became increasingly concerned with the decline of Western civilization and with the social basis of art in what he believed to be a degenerate economic system. He studied the history of Italian Medieval and Renaissance states and found that Italy had in the past created the ideal conditions for the flowering of great art, while he associated modern credit capitalism with the social and spiritual decline of the present. Unfortunately, Pound's dislike of capitalism led him to Fascism and to Mussolini, who was himself anti-capitalist and who persecuted the Jews, associated with money-lending since the Middle Ages. During the Second World War he made a series of propagandist broadcasts over Radio Rome for which he was later tried in the United States, and confined for 12 years in a hospital for the insane. When he was released, he returned to Italy and died in Venice in 1972. With the Imagist movement, Americans poetry became international, and its leaders, the American Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, also became the leaders of European poetry. Imagism as such had a short life-span. But it was to become the most influential poetic movement of the century, just as Pound is now considered one of the most influential Modernist poets. Pound was also a generous encourager of other poets and writers; he edited The Waste Land and published Joyce's Ulysses. Through his translations and essays he made known to English-speaking readers Provencal poetry, the Italian poets of the Stil novo, Japanese dramatic literature and Chinese classical poetry. Finally, his critical essays con-tributed to the definition of 'Modernism' as a movement and introduced new standards of objectivity in the evaluation of literature. The Modern Age Cantos Imagism When Pound went to London he made common cause with a small group led by the philosopher T.H. Hume. They called themselves imagists and announced a new kind of poetry, which Pound summarized in a Manifesto: 1) To use the language of common speech, but to em-ploy also the exact word, not the merely decorative word. 2) To create new rhythms - as the expression of new moods. We do not insist on 'free verse' as the only method of writing poetry... We do believe that the in-dividuality of a poem may often be better expressed in free verse than in conventional forms. 3) To allow absolute freedom in the choice of subject. 4) To present an image (hence the name 'Imagist'). We are not a school of painters, but we believe that poetry should render particulars exactly and not deal in vague generalities, however magnificent and sonorous. 5) To produce poetry that is hard and clear, never blurred or indefinite. 6. Finally, most of us believe that concentration is the very essence of poetry. A multicultural collection of poems The following poem by Pound has become famous as an example of the principles declared in the Manifesto. The poem describes a moment of intense emotion at seeing beautiful faces in a station of the Paris underground. The images condense the emotion in two parallel pictures with great economy of words, and using the language of common speech: In a Station of the Metro The apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough. From "Poems of Lustra", 1913 In 1914 Pound abandoned the movement. Imagism was only a step on the way to Modernism, because images alone offered too limited possibilities for poetry. But its insistence on economy and free-verse continued to be valuable. Starting in 1917, Pound worked on the Cantos for the rest of his life. The Cantos, 140 loosely connected poems, have their source in Dante's Divine Comedy, as their name declares, and on the Odyssey, a model for Pound's exploration of contemporary civilization. Some of Dante's persons, like Brunetto Latini, figure in them, while many episodes have the Odyssey as a starting point. Pound shows a vivid awareness of the past. Like most great modernists (Yeats and Eliot), he looked into the past for useful literary material, for principles of conduct and for comparison with the present. As a result the Cantos are a multi-cultural work: besides the references to Dante and the Odyssey, there are also references to the Old Testament, Rimini in the 15th century under Sigismondo Malatesta, whom he considered the ideal, benevolent despot, Confucius, the United States at the time of Jefferson, Medieval England and Provence, to mention but a few. One of the main preoccupations expressed in the Cantos is economic. Pound believed that usury was at the basis of contemporary credit capitalism, which he considered the source of cultural and social disintegration. The usurer, be it an individual money-lender or a bank, charges interest, and interest, which is not worked for, creates false values, not just in economics, but also in life and art. The groups of cantos concerned with usury were written in the 1930s, when Pound was in Rapallo. In Canto XI of the Inferno, Dante asks Virgilio why usury is considered one of the most serious crimes against nature. Virgilio answers that nature takes its origin directly from God's mind and art (doings). Humanity imitates nature and art (work), like a schoolboy imitating his master. But usurers despise nature and art and refuse to live by the fruits of nature and of work. They live by the rates of interest that come from money-lending: "Filosofia, mi disse, a chi la' ntende nota, non pure in una sola parte, come natura to suo corso prende dal divino intelletto e da sua arte; e se tu ben la tua Fisica note, tu troverai, non dopo molte carte, che l'arte vostra quella, quanto pote, segue, come'l maestro fa'l discente; si che vostr'arte a Dio quasi e nipote. Da queste due se tu ti rechi a mente to Genesi dal principio, convene prender sua vita e avanzar la gente; e perche l'usuriere altra via tene, per se natura e per la sua seguace, dispregia, poi ch'in altro pon la speme." Philosophy, he (Virgil) told me, for those who understand it, explains in more than one place, that Nature takes its origin directly from God's Mind and from his Art (doings); and if you read Aristotles's Physics, you'll soon discover that your (human) art imitates Nature as it can, like a schoolboy his master. So that your art can be called God's grandchild. From these two (Art and Nature) if you remember the beginning of Genesis, man should get his bread and promote prosperity to all. But the usurer chooses another way; he despises Nature and Art because he places his hopes elsewhere. With usura Canto XLV With usura hath no man a house of good stone each block cut smooth and well fitting that design might cover their face, with usura hath no man a painted paradise on his church wall harpes et luz or where virgin receiveth message and halo projects from incision, with usura seeth no man Gonzaga his heirs and his concubines no picture is made to endure nor to live with but it is made to sell and sell quickly with usura, sin against nature, is thy bread ever more of stale rags is thy bread dry as paper, with no mountain wheat, no strong flour with usura the line grows thick with usura is no clear demarcation and no man can find site for his dwelling. Stonecutter is kept from his stone weaver is kept from his loom WITH USURA wool comes not to market sheep bringeth no gain with usura Usura is a murrain, usura blunteth the needle in the maid’s hand and stoppeth the spinner’s cunning. Pietro Lombardo came not by usura Duccio came not by usura nor Pier della Francesca; Zuan Bellin’ not by usura nor was ‘La Calunnia’ painted. Came not by usura Angelico; came not Ambrogio Praedis, Came no church of cut stone signed: Adamo me fecit. Not by usura St. Trophime Not by usura Saint Hilaire, Usura rusteth the chisel It rusteth the craft and the craftsman It gnaweth the thread in the loom None learneth to weave gold in her pattern; Azure hath a canker by usura; cramoisi is unbroidered Emerald findeth no Memling Usura slayeth the child in the womb It stayeth the young man’s courting It hath brought palsey to bed, lyeth between the young bride and her bridegroom CONTRA NATURAM They have brought whores for Eleusis Corpses are set to banquet at behest of usura. N.B. Usury: A charge for the use of purchasing power, levied without regard to production; often without regard to the possibilities of production. (Hence the failure of the Medici bank.) Pound's The Cantos contains music and bears a title that could be translated as The Songs - although it never is. Pound's ear was tuned to the motz et sons of troubadour poetry where, as musicologist John Stevens has noted, "melody and poem existed in a state of the closest symbiosis, obeying the same laws and striving in their different media for the same sound-ideal - armonia." In his essays, Pound wrote of rhythm as "the hardest quality of a man's style to counterfeit." He challenged young poets to train their ear with translation work to learn how the choice of words and the movement of the words combined. But having translated texts from 10 different languages into English, Pound found that translation did not always serve the poetry: "The grand bogies for young men who want really to learn strophe writing are Catullus and François Villon. I personally have been reduced to setting them to music as I cannot translate them." While he habitually wrote out verse rhythms as musical lines, Pound did not set his own poetry to music. You can also read: Ezra Pound quotes and aphorisms Ezra Pound thoughts and reflections T.S. Eliot quotes and aphorisms T.S. Eliot thoughts and reflections Quotes by authors Quotes by arguments Essays with quotes Thoughts and reflections News and events Read the full article

#Dante #EzraPound #Imagism #Modernism #T.S.Eliot #TheDivineComedy #TheWasteLand #Usura

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blueheartbookclub · 8 months

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"Navigating the Labyrinth: James Joyce's Ulysses and the Odyssey of the Human Mind"

James Joyce's "Ulysses" stands as a formidable literary labyrinth, a narrative tour de force that immerses readers in the intricate complexities of the human experience. Published in 1922, this modernist masterpiece has carved a unique niche in the literary landscape, challenging and captivating readers with its avant-garde style and profound exploration of the ordinary. In "Ulysses," Joyce transforms a single day in the life of three characters—Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom, and Molly Bloom—into an epic journey through the streets of Dublin, mirroring the structure of Homer's "Odyssey."

The novel unfolds with a linguistic prowess that is both daunting and exhilarating. Joyce's stream-of-consciousness technique weaves a tapestry of thoughts, memories, and sensory impressions, capturing the ever-shifting landscapes of the characters' minds. The use of multiple narrative styles, rich symbolism, and a kaleidoscope of allusions creates a literary symphony that challenges traditional notions of storytelling. "Ulysses" is not merely a novel; it is an immersive experience that demands active engagement from the reader.

Joyce's audacious experimentations with language are mirrored in his deep exploration of the mundane aspects of daily life. The seemingly trivial events of June 16, 1904, become a canvas on which Joyce paints a vivid portrait of humanity, exploring themes of love, identity, sexuality, religion, and the passage of time. Each episode is a microcosm reflecting the broader human condition, and Joyce's unflinching gaze transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

While "Ulysses" has earned its reputation as a challenging read, its difficulty is intrinsic to its brilliance. The novel's complexity mirrors the complexity of life itself, and its deliberate departure from traditional narrative structures invites readers to actively participate in the creation of meaning. As one navigates the labyrinth of Joyce's prose, the reward is not just in deciphering the text but in the profound insights gained about the nature of existence.

The legacy of "Ulysses" extends beyond its literary merits. It has become a touchstone for scholars, inspiring countless interpretations, analyses, and even an annual celebration known as Bloomsday. Joyce's work has influenced subsequent generations of writers, challenging them to push the boundaries of storytelling and language. The novel's impact is a testament to its enduring relevance, transcending time and cultural shifts.

In conclusion, "Ulysses" is a literary odyssey that invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual exploration. Joyce's intricate narrative, linguistic virtuosity, and profound thematic scope make it a work that continues to resonate with those willing to navigate its intricate passages. While challenging, "Ulysses" stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of literature, proving that within the labyrinth of complexity lies a rich tapestry of human experience waiting to be unraveled and understood.

James Joyce's "Ulysses" is available in Amazon in paperback 17.99$ and hardcover 25.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 482

Language: English

Rating: 9/10

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

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grandhotelabyss · 2 years

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Thanks for the question! I tend to agree with the Romantic view that great art always has something odd or excessive about it:

Yet her features were not of that regular mould which we have been falsely taught to worship in the classical labors of the heathen. “There is no exquisite beauty,” says Bacon, Lord Verulam, speaking truly of all the forms and genera of beauty, “without some strangeness in the proportions.”

The quotation is from Poe and is especially meaningful coming from him, since his own philosophy of composition centered on the achievement of calculated effects through perfected forms. But even the story from which I draw the quotation—my favorite: “Ligeia”—is all out of proportion, too verbosely descriptive, too summary in narration, pantingly melodramatic at the end. Not perfect, only great. And that’s a short story!

What novels approach perfection even so? You’re right to point to novellas and short novels, where a limited temporal and spatial setting and a small cast of characters allow for a unity of tone and style in pursuit of a single theme: The Dead and Death in Venice, Mrs. Dalloway and The Great Gatsby, Seize the Day and Sula, are all close to perfect, for example.

Some writers can carry this effect of compression into longer forms: Kazuo Ishiguro might be the reigning master here, though even he felt he had to cut loose with The Unconsoled, a willfully baggy and bizarre book. Other authors preceded Ishiguro in deliberately letting go of perfect forms early in their careers to attain a new maturity: for example, the long, loose third novels of both Saul Bellow and Toni Morrison, both of which followed two compact and assured short novels. Similarly, as the critic Leo Robson has shown, some 20th-century writers made almost a fetish of slovenly, large forms to throw off the dead hand of Flaubertian or Jamesian modernist perfection-seeking: Iris Murdoch, Joyce Carol Oates—and, before them, D. H. Lawrence.

Comparing the perfect short novels to the imperfect but greater long novels of major novelists is instructive here: The Dead in comparison to Ulysses, for example, where Joyce’s virtuosity becomes undeniably excessive, positively wearisome in places, but in search of a bigger quarry—arguably, all of western culture—than in the earlier, shorter work. And the same goes for Mann (Death in Venice vs. The Magic Mountain)—or Melville (Benito Cereno vs. Moby-Dick) or Eliot (Silas Marner vs. Middlemarch) or Dostoevsky (Notes from Underground vs. The Brothers Karamazov).

But we wouldn’t want to confuse literal magnitude with greatness or deny that shorter works can be more appealingly odd than longer. Take Conrad, for example: Heart of Darkness is probably greater and stranger than Nostromo, despite its being a third or a quarter of the length. Or we could just return to the opening example of Poe, progenitor of all whose achievement centers on the short story, often attaining the most shapely forms without spilling a drop of the necessary oddity and excess: Hawthorne, Chekhov, Borges, Kafka, O’Connor.

In summary: perfection is more achievable in short forms, desirable insofar as it amplifies a single theme, but for that very reason sometimes inferior to works of greater complexity and variety, which are often though not always longer.

#literature #literary criticism #fiction #creative writing

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jbbbuckybarnes · 5 months

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From 1917 to 1943, literature evolved significantly, encompassing various genres and themes, influenced by world events like the Great Depression, World War I, and World War II. Here are some notable books from this period, highlighting a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry:

1. **"Ulysses" by James Joyce (1922):** A groundbreaking modernist novel that revolutionized narrative techniques, focusing on a single day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Dublin.

2. **"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925):** A classic American novel that explores the Jazz Age, capturing themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream.

3. **"To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf (1927):** A modernist novel examining themes of time, memory, and relationships within a family over several years.

4. **"The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway (1926):** A novel that captures the disillusionment of the "Lost Generation," set in post-World War I Europe.

5. **"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck (1937):** A novella depicting the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression.

6. **"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (1932):** A dystopian novel exploring the dangers of technological control and societal manipulation.

7. **"Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell (1936):** A sweeping historical novel set during and after the American Civil War, focusing on the character of Scarlett O'Hara.

8. **"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937):** A fantasy adventure story introducing Middle-earth and the character Bilbo Baggins.

9. **"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (1951):** Although published after 1943, the setting and context reflect the post-World War II generation's experiences and sentiments.

10. **"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck (1939):** A powerful novel depicting the hardships of the Dust Bowl and the plight of the Joad family.

11. **"The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett (1930):** A classic hard-boiled detective novel featuring the iconic private detective Sam Spade.

12. **"Native Son" by Richard Wright (1940):** A groundbreaking novel exploring themes of race, oppression, and societal injustice.

13. **"Animal Farm" by George Orwell (1945):** Although published just after 1943, this allegorical novella critiques totalitarianism and political corruption.

14. **"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier (1938):** A gothic novel filled with mystery, suspense, and drama.

15. **"The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales" by H.P. Lovecraft (1928):** A collection of eerie and supernatural stories that influenced the horror genre.

16. **"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton (1920):** A novel exploring the strict societal norms of 19th-century New York high society.

17. **"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943):** A charming philosophical tale exploring themes of friendship and humanity.

18. **"Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne (1926):** A classic children's book featuring the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends.

19. **"The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck (1931):** A novel exploring life in rural China and the impact of societal changes.

20. **"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath (1963):** Although published after 1943, it reflects the inner turmoil and mental health struggles of a young woman, resonating with themes from the earlier era.

These books represent the diverse literary landscape from 1917 to 1943, offering insights into the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the time.

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dan6085 · 6 months

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Creating a list of the top 50 writers of all time is a challenging task, as literary greatness can be measured in many ways, including the impact of the works, their lasting legacy, innovation in storytelling, and the depth of human emotion and thought they explore. Nonetheless, here's an attempt to highlight 50 writers from across the world and throughout history, noting some of their most significant works and contributions to literature.

1. **William Shakespeare (1564-1616)** - Often considered the greatest writer in the English language. Notable works include plays like "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," along with sonnets that explore themes of love, beauty, politics, and mortality.

2. **Homer** - An ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of the epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," which are foundational works of Western literature.

3. **Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)** - A Russian novelist known for "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," Tolstoy's works explore themes of morality, free will, and the human condition.

4. **James Joyce (1882-1941)** - An Irish novelist and short story writer, known for revolutionizing the modern novel with his stream of consciousness technique, particularly in "Ulysses."

5. **Charles Dickens (1812-1870)** - An English writer and social critic, Dickens is famous for his vivid characters and depictions of Victorian life, as seen in "Great Expectations," "A Tale of Two Cities," and "Oliver Twist."

6. **Jane Austen (1775-1817)** - An English novelist known for her six major novels, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma," which critique the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century.

7. **Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)** - A Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist, Dostoevsky's works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia. His major works include "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "The Idiot."

8. **Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)** - An English writer, considered one of the foremost modernists of the 20th century and a pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device. Notable works include "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse."

9. **Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014)** - A Colombian novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter, and journalist. He was known as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, particularly for "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Love in the Time of Cholera," which introduced magical realism to a wide audience.

10. **Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616)** - A Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists, best known for "Don Quixote."

11. **Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)** - An Italian poet, writer, and philosopher whose "Divine Comedy," originally called "Comedìa" and later christened "Divina" by Giovanni Boccaccio, is considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature.

12. **Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)** - A German writer and statesman whose works, including "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," span the fields of poetry, drama, literature, theology, humanism, and science.

13. **George Orwell (1903-1950)** - An English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and outspoken support of democratic socialism. Notable works include "1984" and "Animal Farm."

14. **Marcel Proust (1871-1922)** - A French novelist best known for "In Search of Lost Time," a monumental work of 20th-century fiction published in seven parts.

15. **Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)** - An American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, known for his economical and understated style, which he termed the iceberg theory, and his books like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms."

16. **Franz Kafka (1883-1924)** - A Bohemian novelist and short-story writer, widely regarded as one of the major figures of 20th-century literature. His work fuses elements of realism and the fantastic, exploring themes like alienation, existential dread, and absurdity. Notable works include "The Trial" and "The Metamorphosis."

17. **Mark Twain (1835-1910)** - An American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer, known for his wit and satire in prose and speech. His novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" remain fundamental to the American literary canon.

18. **Haruki Murakami (born 1949)** - A contemporary Japanese writer known for his seamless blend of the mundane with the fantastical, Murakami's notable works include "Norwegian Wood" and "Kafka on the Shore."

19. **Chinua Achebe (1930-2013)** - A Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic, he is best known for his first novel, "Things Fall Apart" (1958), which is the most widely read book in modern African literature.

20. **Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)** - An American poet, Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature but left behind a trove of poems exploring themes of death, faith, emotions, and the essence of life, much of which were published posthumously.

21. **Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)** - An American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. Notable works include "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher."

22. **Herman Melville (1819-1891)** - An American novelist, short story writer, and poet from the American Renaissance period. His contributions to literature include "Moby-Dick," a towering achievement in American literature, and "Bartleby, the Scrivener."

23. **Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)** - An American novelist and short story writer known for his dark romanticism. His works often explore themes of sin, guilt, and morality. Notable works include "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables."

24. **Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)** - An Irish poet and playwright known for his biting wit, flamboyant style, and infamous imprisonment. His best-known works include "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and the play "The Importance of Being Earnest."

25. **Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)** - A Bengali polymath from India, Tagore reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Notable works include "Gitanjali" and "The Home and the World."

26. **Anton Chekhov (1860-1904)** - A Russian playwright and short-story writer who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short fiction in history. Notable works include "The Cherry Orchard," "The Seagull," and a vast array of influential short stories.

27. **Langston Hughes (1902-1967)** - An American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry and a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Notable works include "The Weary Blues" and "Montage of a Dream Deferred."

28. **Albert Camus (1913-1960)** - A French-Algerian philosopher, author, and journalist awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957. His works include "The Stranger," "The Plague," and "The Myth of Sisyphus," which delve into themes of existentialism and absurdism.

29. **Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007)** - An American writer known for his satirical and science fiction works. Vonnegut's distinctive voice and sardonic commentary on American society are best exemplified in "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle."

30. **J.K. Rowling (born 1965)** - A British author, best known for writing the "Harry Potter" fantasy series, which has become one of the best-selling book series in history and a global cultural phenomenon.

31. **Sylvia Plath (1932-1963)** - An American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for advancing the genre of confessional poetry. Her novel "The Bell Jar" and the poetry collection "Ariel" explore themes of self-identity, mental illness, and the female condition.

32. **Virginia Hamilton (1936-2002)** - An American children's books author who brought black history, folklore, and fantasy to a wide audience. Notable works include "M.C. Higgins, the Great" and "The People Could Fly."

33. **Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986)** - An Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator, and a key figure in Spanish-language literature. His compilations of short stories, "Ficciones" and "The Aleph," are landmarks in the genre.

34. **Italo Calvino (1923-1985)** - An Italian journalist and writer of short stories and novels. His imaginative texts, including "Invisible Cities" and "If on a winter's night a traveler," blend fantasy, fables, and comedy.

35. **Salman Rushdie (born 1947)** - A British-Indian novelist and essayist whose narrative style, blending mythology and magical realism, is exemplified in "Midnight's Children" and "The Satanic Verses," the latter of which led to calls for his assassination.

36. **Maya Angelou (1928-2014)** - An American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences, most notably "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."

37. **Toni Morrison (1931-2019)** - An American novelist, essayist, editor, and professor, her novels are known for their epic themes, exquisite language, and richly detailed African American characters. Notable works include "Beloved" and "Song of Solomon."

38. **Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867)** - A French poet who produced notable work as an essayist, art critic, and pioneering translator of Edgar Allan Poe. His most famous work, "Les Fleurs du mal" (The Flowers of Evil), expresses the complexities of beauty and decadence.

39. **Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)** - An American novelist and poet best known as the author of the novel "Little Women" and its sequels "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys." Alcott's writing was heavily influenced by her life experiences and advocacy for women's rights.

40. **Pablo Neruda (1904-1973)** - A Chilean poet-diplomat and politician who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Neruda became known as a poet when he was 13 years old, and his works include "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair."

41. **Agatha Christie (1890-1976)** - An English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around her fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Christie is one of the best-selling authors of all time.

42. **Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880)** - A French novelist highly influential, he is known especially for his debut novel "Madame Bovary," his correspondence, and his scrupulous devotion to his art and style.

43. **Wole Soyinka (born 1934)** - A Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, Soyinka was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, the first African laureate. Notable works include "Death and the King's Horseman" and "Ake: The Years of Childhood."

44. **Alice Walker (born 1944)** - An American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist. Walker wrote the novel "The Color Purple" (1982), for which she won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making her the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her work is known for its themes of race, gender, and identity.

45. **Ian McEwan (born 1948)** - A British novelist and screenwriter known for his nuanced and tightly crafted novels, which often explore the complexities of the human condition. Notable works include "Atonement," "Enduring Love," and "Amsterdam," for which he won the Booker Prize.

46. **Kazuo Ishiguro (born 1954)** - A British novelist and Nobel Laureate in Literature, born in Japan, who has explored themes of memory, time, and self-delusion. His notable works include "The Remains of the Day," for which he won the Booker Prize, and "Never Let Me Go."

47. **Chinua Achebe (1930-2013)** - A Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, Achebe is best known for his debut novel, "Things Fall Apart," which is widely considered his masterpiece and a classic of modern African literature. His works are pivotal in bringing African literature to worldwide attention.

48. **Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014)** - A Colombian novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter, and journalist, known affectionately as Gabo throughout Latin America. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, largely for his masterpiece "One Hundred Years of Solitude," a defining classic of magical realism.

49. **Margaret Atwood (born 1939)** - A Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, and essayist known for her works of fiction and dystopian literature. Her notable works include "The Handmaid's Tale," a prescient dystopian novel that has inspired numerous adaptations, and "Oryx and Crake."

50. **Haruki Murakami (born 1949)** - A Japanese writer and translator whose novels, essays, and short stories have been bestsellers in Japan as well as internationally. His works, which include "Norwegian Wood," "Kafka on the Shore," and "1Q84," blend pop culture, magical realism, and themes of loneliness and search for identity.

This list only scratches the surface of literary greatness, as there are countless writers who have left an indelible mark on the world’s literary heritage. The chosen authors and their works continue to inspire, challenge, and influence readers and writers across the globe.

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blueheartbooks · 8 months

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"Navigating the Labyrinth: James Joyce's Ulysses and the Odyssey of the Human Mind"

James Joyce's "Ulysses" is available in Amazon in paperback 17.99$ and hardcover 25.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 482

Language: English

Rating: 9/10

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

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writeleg1ant · 9 months

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James Joyce's Ulysses: Literary Masterpiece or Incomprehensible Nonsense?

Introduction James Joyce's "Ulysses" has long been a subject of both admiration and bewilderment within the literary world. As we embark on an exploration of this iconic work, we delve into the layers of experimental writing, linguistic complexity, and the enduring debate over whether "Ulysses" stands as a literary masterpiece or an incomprehensible enigma. Outline of the Article - Introduction - Brief overview of James Joyce's "Ulysses" - Mention of the ongoing debate about its literary value - Background of James Joyce - Insight into Joyce's life and influences - Overview of Joyce's significance in modernist literature - Ulysses: An Overview - Brief summary of the plot and main characters - Highlighting the novel's setting in Dublin on a single day (June 16, 1904) - Joyce's Experimental Writing Style - Exploration of the stream-of-consciousness technique - Discussion on linguistic and narrative experimentation - Complexity of Language in Ulysses - Analysis of the intricate language and wordplay - Impact on reader comprehension and interpretation - Themes Explored in Ulysses - Examination of key themes such as identity, time, and consciousness - Discussion on how these themes contribute to the novel's complexity - Literary Allusions and References - Exploration of the vast array of historical and literary references - Impact on the reader's understanding and engagement - Critics' Perspectives on Ulysses - Overview of both praise and criticism from literary critics - Discussion on how the novel has been received over time - Reader Responses to Ulysses - Analysis of diverse reader reactions and interpretations - Consideration of the novel's accessibility to different audiences - Influence on Modernist Literature - Exploration of Ulysses' impact on the development of modernist literature - Consideration of its place in the literary canon - Comparative Analysis with Other Joyce Works - Brief comparison with other notable works by James Joyce - Highlighting similarities and differences in writing style - Contemporary Relevance of Ulysses - Discussion on whether Ulysses remains relevant in the present day - Consideration of its influence on contemporary literature - Common Misconceptions About Ulysses - Addressing and debunking prevalent myths about the novel - Clarification on aspects often misunderstood by readers - Conclusion - Summarization of key points discussed in the article - Personal reflection on the ongoing debate surrounding Ulysses - FAQs After The Conclusion - Five unique Frequently Asked Questions addressing common inquiries about Ulysses.

James Joyce's Ulysses: Literary Masterpiece or Incomprehensible Nonsense?

What makes James Joyce's writing style unique in "Ulysses"? James Joyce's writing style in "Ulysses" is a unique and groundbreaking departure from conventional literary norms. His unparalleled innovation lies in the seamless fusion of diverse narrative techniques that create a tapestry of complexity. At the heart of Joyce's uniqueness is his mastery of the stream-of-consciousness technique, where the inner thoughts and feelings of characters flow unfiltered onto the page. This technique immerses readers in the characters' minds, offering an intimate and sometimes fragmented experience of their consciousness. Moreover, Joyce's use of linguistic experimentation adds another layer to his distinct style. He plays with words, creating neologisms, portmanteau words, and multilingual expressions that reflect the polyphonic nature of modern urban life. This linguistic innovation challenges readers to engage actively with the text, decoding its richness and uncovering layers of meaning. As for the structure, Joyce adopts a non-linear narrative that mirrors the episodic structure of Homer's "Odyssey." This cyclical approach reflects the recurring patterns in life, creating a multi-layered reading experience. The complexity of "Ulysses" lies not just in its narrative structure but also in the extensive use of allusions, symbolism, and intertextuality, inviting readers to explore a vast literary and cultural landscape. List of Best James Joyce Books: - "Dubliners": A collection of short stories capturing the everyday lives of Dublin's residents, "Dubliners" explores themes of paralysis and epiphany, providing a nuanced portrait of early 20th-century Dublin. - "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man": This semi-autobiographical novel follows the intellectual and spiritual development of Stephen Dedalus, a young man grappling with his identity and artistic aspirations in Catholic Ireland. - "Ulysses": A modernist masterpiece, "Ulysses" chronicles a day in the life of three characters in Dublin, drawing parallels to Homer's "Odyssey." Joyce's experimental narrative techniques and linguistic innovation make it a landmark work in literature. - "Finnegans Wake": Joyce's final and most enigmatic work, "Finnegans Wake," is a linguistic and literary puzzle that explores the cyclical nature of history, dreams, and language. Its dense prose challenges readers with its multilayered meanings. - "The Dead" (from "Dubliners"): The closing story of "Dubliners," "The Dead" is a poignant exploration of mortality and the nuances of relationships, set against the backdrop of a festive gathering. - "Exiles": A play that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, "Exiles" explores the complexities of relationships and the consequences of pursuing one's desires. - "Chamber Music": Joyce's debut poetry collection, "Chamber Music," is a lyrical exploration of themes of love and beauty. The poems showcase his early experimentation with language and expression. - "A Little Cloud" (from "Dubliners"): This short story from "Dubliners" portrays the internal struggle of Little Chandler, a poet torn between his dreams of literary success and the responsibilities of family life. - "The Sisters" (from "Dubliners"): Opening "Dubliners," "The Sisters" introduces readers to the theme of paralysis, as a young boy reflects on the death of his mentor, the paralyzed priest Father Flynn. - "Araby" (from "Dubliners"): In "Araby," a young boy's infatuation with his neighbor leads to a disillusioning experience at a local bazaar, exploring themes of innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood. Background of James Joyce To truly understand "Ulysses," we must first glimpse into the life of its creator, James Joyce. Born in Dublin in 1882, Joyce's experiences, including his Irish heritage and exposure to various European cultures, profoundly influenced his unique approach to literature. A key figure in modernist literature, Joyce's impact extends beyond the pages of his works. Ulysses: An Overview "Ulysses," set against the backdrop of Dublin on a single day, follows the experiences of its characters, notably Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, mirroring the events of Homer's "Odyssey." This ambitious narrative unfolds on June 16, 1904, a date now celebrated as Bloomsday, and captures the intricacies of everyday life in a profound and complex manner. Joyce's Experimental Writing Style One of the defining features of "Ulysses" is Joyce's experimental writing style. Employing the stream-of-consciousness technique, Joyce takes readers deep into the minds of his characters, unraveling thoughts and emotions in real-time. This approach, though challenging, offers a unique lens into the inner workings of the human psyche. Complexity of Language in Ulysses As readers navigate through "Ulysses," they encounter a linguistic labyrinth. Joyce's intricate wordplay, multilingualism, and manipulation of language present both a challenge and an opportunity. The complexity of language in "Ulysses" adds layers of meaning, requiring readers to decipher and interpret with heightened attention. Themes Explored in Ulysses Beyond its linguistic complexity, "Ulysses" explores profound themes. From the quest for identity to the fluidity of time and consciousness, Joyce weaves a tapestry of ideas that transcends the ordinary. These themes contribute to the novel's depth and have fueled countless interpretations. Literary Allusions and References Joyce's magnum opus is a treasure trove of literary and historical references. With meticulous detail, he incorporates elements from mythology, literature, and Dublin's history. This rich tapestry of allusions deepens the narrative, demanding readers to engage with a multitude of cultural and intellectual threads. Critics' Perspectives on Ulysses Unsurprisingly, "Ulysses" has evoked diverse reactions from literary critics. While some celebrate its audacity and innovation, others criticize its perceived impenetrability. The range of perspectives highlights the polarizing nature of Joyce's work and the ongoing debate over its place in the literary canon. Reader Responses to Ulysses Readers, too, bring varied perspectives to "Ulysses." Some revel in the intellectual challenge it presents, finding joy in decoding its complexities. Others, however, express frustration at the novel's perceived inaccessibility. Understanding these diverse reactions enriches the ongoing discourse surrounding "Ulysses." Influence on Modernist Literature The influence of "Ulysses" extends far beyond its initial publication. It stands as a cornerstone in the development of modernist literature, influencing subsequent generations of writers. Joyce's groundbreaking narrative techniques and exploration of consciousness have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Comparative Analysis with Other Joyce Works To comprehend the significance of "Ulysses," a brief comparison with other works by Joyce is warranted. Contrasting it with "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" or "Dubliners" reveals both continuity and evolution in Joyce's narrative style, providing valuable insights into his literary journey. Contemporary Relevance of Ulysses As we consider the contemporary relevance of "Ulysses," questions arise about its enduring impact. Does Joyce's masterpiece continue to resonate with readers today? Examining its influence on contemporary literature and its ability to provoke intellectual discourse offers clues to its ongoing relevance. Common Misconceptions About Ulysses Addressing misconceptions surrounding "Ulysses" is essential for a nuanced understanding. Often criticized for its perceived difficulty, the novel is unfairly branded as incomprehensible. Dissecting and dispelling these myths allows readers to approach "Ulysses" with fresh eyes and an open mind. Conclusion In conclusion, the debate over whether "Ulysses" is a literary masterpiece or incomprehensible nonsense persists. James Joyce's bold experimentation challenges readers, demanding an active and engaged encounter with the text. As we navigate the complexities of "Ulysses," the decision about its merit rests with each reader, influenced by individual perspectives and literary inclinations.

FAQs :

What is the message of the poem Ulysses? The poem "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson conveys the enduring spirit of human exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. Ulysses, the legendary Greek hero, reflects on his past adventures and expresses his desire for new experiences and challenges in his later years. The poem celebrates the indomitable human spirit that seeks meaning and purpose, even in the face of aging and mortality. Ulysses urges readers to embrace life's challenges and continue the quest for self-discovery. What is the main idea of the poem Ulysses? The main idea of "Ulysses" revolves around the theme of a relentless quest for adventure and knowledge. Ulysses, having experienced numerous trials and triumphs, expresses discontent with a mundane life. The poem emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions and living life to the fullest, regardless of age or circumstance. Ulysses rejects complacency and embraces the idea that there is always more to explore, encouraging a continual search for meaning and excitement. What is the moral of the story of Ulysses? The moral of Ulysses' story lies in the importance of embracing a life filled with purpose and continuous exploration. Ulysses teaches us not to settle for a sedentary existence but to seek challenges and intellectual stimulation. The poem suggests that the pursuit of knowledge and adventure is a noble endeavor, contributing to personal growth and fulfillment. What does Ulysses symbolize? Ulysses symbolizes the human spirit's eternal yearning for discovery and intellectual growth. His character represents resilience, the refusal to succumb to stagnation, and the pursuit of personal and intellectual fulfillment. Ulysses becomes a universal symbol for those who seek meaning and excitement throughout their lives. What style of writing did James Joyce use? James Joyce is renowned for his avant-garde and experimental writing style, particularly evident in his masterpiece, "Ulysses." He employed stream-of-consciousness narration, a technique that delves into characters' inner thoughts and feelings. Joyce's writing is characterized by intricate linguistic play, innovative narrative structures, and a profound exploration of the complexities of human consciousness. What makes Joyce's writing unusual? James Joyce's writing is distinctive for its complexity, experimental techniques, and departure from conventional narrative norms. He often incorporates multiple perspectives, intricate wordplay, and symbolic layers. Joyce challenges readers with his unconventional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional literature and inviting them to actively engage in deciphering the nuanced layers of meaning within his works. What is the narrative technique in James Joyce's Ulysses? In "Ulysses," Joyce employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, immersing readers in the inner thoughts and perceptions of the characters. This technique provides a subjective and multifaceted view of events, capturing the continuous flow of consciousness. Joyce's narrative experimentation in "Ulysses" revolutionized the portrayal of human thought processes in literature. What is the famous writing of James Joyce? James Joyce's most famous work is "Ulysses," a groundbreaking modernist novel that explores the experiences of three characters in Dublin on a single day. Regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, "Ulysses" showcases Joyce's innovative narrative techniques and profound insights into the human condition. Sources: - Joyce, James. Ulysses. 1922. - Ellmann, Richard. James Joyce. Oxford University Press, 1982. - Gifford, Don, and Seidman, Robert J. Ulysses Annotated: Notes for James Joyce's Ulysses. University of California Press, 1988. Read the full article

#Homer #Irishliterature #JamesJoyce #Literarycriticism #Modernism #Odyssey #Ulysses

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roamanddiscover · 1 year

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Ulysses Book Summary

Ulysses is an iconic novel by James Joyce, published in 1922. It tells the story of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus as they journey through Dublin on a single day, June 16, 1904. The novel is divided into 18 chapters and is notorious for its complex style, which employs stream-of-consciousness techniques and a kaleidoscope of perspectives. Leopold Bloom is a Jewish advertising canvasser who wanders the city in search of something to fill the emptiness in his life. Meanwhile, Stephen Dedalus is a struggling young writer who grapples with his identity and the weight of his past mistakes. Their paths eventually cross and their lives intertwine, leading to a series of poignant and thought-provoking encounters. The story takes place on June 16, which is now celebrated as Bloomsday in Ireland. This day is a celebration of James Joyce and his masterpiece, with literary enthusiasts donning Edwardian clothing and retracing the steps of Bloom and Dedalus through Dublin. Ulysses is a novel that rewards careful reading and patience. The stream-of-consciousness technique used by Joyce creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of the characters and the city. Every sentence is dense with meaning, and the novel is brimming with subtle allusions to literature, history, and mythology. Ulysses is often regarded as one of the greatest literary works of all time, and its influence on modern literature and culture cannot be overstated. It's a novel that has inspired countless artists and continues to captivate readers all over the world with its exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in life.

Book Description

Ulysses is a literary masterpiece that stands at the forefront of modernist literature. Written by James Joyce, it's a novel that has inspired and challenged readers for nearly a century. The novel is set in Dublin, Ireland, and follows the lives of two main characters- Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus- as they navigate through the city on a single day, June 16, 1904. One of the most striking aspects of Ulysses is its unique writing style, known as the stream-of-consciousness technique. This style immerses the reader in the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters, providing a window into their minds and motivations. Throughout the novel, Joyce delves deep into the psyches of Bloom, Dedalus, and other characters, exposing their fears, desires, and insecurities. Ulysses is not a simple novel. It's challenging, complex, and requires careful attention to detail. The structure is divided into 18 chapters, each with its own unique style and storyline. Readers must put in the effort to unravel the intricate connections between the characters, their experiences, and the themes of the novel. Despite the challenges, Ulysses is a work that rewards readers who are willing to invest their time and energy. It's a novel that celebrates life and humanity in all its messiness and complexity. With its profound insights into the human experience, Ulysses continues to captivate and inspire modern readers around the world.

Character Analysis

Ulysses is a novel that revolves around the lives of two main characters, Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. Bloom is a Jewish advertising canvasser who is often described as a wandering and sympathetic character. He comes across to the readers as a man of intellect and sensitivity. His depiction in the novel allows us to see a character that is not typically portrayed in literature. Throughout the novel, Bloom is shown to be a complex and multi-faceted character. He often reflects on his insecurities and flaws but is also known for his kindness and empathy towards others. On the other hand, Stephen Dedalus is a young aspiring writer who appears to be more contemplative and introverted. Dedalus is often seen questioning his purpose in life and comes across as a deep thinker. He is depicted as a character that struggles to find his place in the world, and his introspective nature ties in with the stream-of-consciousness style of the novel. Dedalus' narration in the novel plays a significant role in providing the readers with his inner perspective on life. The novel provides its readers with an intimate look into the thoughts and emotions of both Bloom and Dedalus. The stream-of-consciousness style of the novel allows the readers to delve into their psyche and explore their inner workings. Ulysses presents its readers with characters that are real, relatable, and exhibit a wide range of emotions and characteristics, making it a novel that is both challenging and satisfying to read. Leopold Bloom Leopold Bloom is one of the two main characters of Ulysses and is depicted as a complex and multi-faceted individual. He is a Jewish advertising canvasser who is known for his kindness, empathy, and intelligence. Throughout the novel, Bloom is portrayed as a thoughtful man who is deeply in touch with his emotions and is sensitive to the feelings of those around him. However, he also has his own insecurities and flaws, which add to his complexity as a character. Bloom is a man of routines, and the reader gets to know his daily habits in great detail. He is shown as having a deep affection for his wife Molly and loves her despite her infidelities. Bloom's relationship with his son and stepson is also explored in the novel and adds to the complexity of his character. Bloom is also a man of contradictions, which makes him a fascinating character. He is portrayed as being both attracted and repulsed by sexuality, and the reader sees him struggle with his own desires throughout the novel. Bloom is also deeply affected by the anti-Semitism that he encounters in Dublin. Leopold Bloom is a character who is difficult to categorize in any simple way. He is a man with his own unique internal struggles, but he is also a deeply empathetic and kind individual. It is these contradictions that make him such a memorable character in Joyce's masterpiece. Stephen Dedalus Stephen Dedalus is one of the two main characters of Ulysses. He is portrayed as a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. Throughout the novel, he goes through a personal transformation and his character begins to develop. Dedalus is a deeply introspective character who is prone to philosophical questioning. He is an aspiring writer who wants to break free from the constraints of his culture and religion. Dedalus's character is portrayed differently than Bloom's, as Joyce's narrative prompts the reader to see the story through Stephen's eyes and explore his thoughts and emotions. Stephen Dedalus is a character who has a lot of internal conflicts and debates, and his search for identity is a central theme of Ulysses. Dedalus is grappling with the question of whether he should stay in Ireland or pursue his dreams elsewhere. Dedalus's moral and intellectual development throughout the novel has made him an iconic figure of 20th-century literature. - Dedalus is fascinated with art and is passionate about creating his own, rational theory of aesthetics and the role of art in society. He is also well-versed in philosophers like Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. - Dedalus is also dealing with a sense of guilt, which keeps him from truly enjoying physical pleasures. This type of internal conflict often leads to bouts of deep introspection, which can hinder his social life. As Joyce's protagonist develops, Stephen's character becomes more fully formed. He is an enigmatic and complex character who symbolizes the modernist zeitgeist. Dedalus also conveys the often-tortured spiritual and intellectual lives of many of his contemporaries during this era. Molly Bloom Molly Bloom is an important female character in Ulysses and plays a crucial role in the story. She is the wife of Leopold Bloom and is known for her strong personality, sexuality, and emotional depth. Molly is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character who defies traditional gender roles and societal expectations.Throughout the novel, Molly is seen as an object of desire for men, but she also holds a great deal of power over them. Her famous concluding monologue, which spans over 25 pages, is a testament to her independence and self-awareness. Through her thoughts, we gain a deeper understanding of her desires, fears, and frustrations.Molly Bloom is also remembered for her sensuality and her affair with Blazes Boylan. While Bloom himself is not very successful in his romantic pursuits, Molly is more open and expressive about her sexuality. Her experiences with men reveal the complexities of human relationships and reflect the societal norms of the time.Molly Bloom is a significant character in Ulysses and adds depth to the novel's exploration of human consciousness. Her presence challenges traditional notions of femininity and highlights the struggles of women in early twentieth-century Ireland.

Analysis

Ulysses is not a novel that one can pick up and read casually. Its complex narrative structure, the use of stream-of-consciousness technique, and multiple perspectives demand careful attention and close analysis. Joyce's purpose in this novel was not to entertain his readers but to challenge them intellectually. The novel's labyrinthine structure has more to do with the human mind and less with the external world. It requires diving deep into the psyche of the characters to fully comprehend its meaning. The stream-of-consciousness technique used in the novel allows the reader an intimate look into the characters' minds, the associations they make, and the thoughts they have in real-time. It requires the reader's active participation in the construction of the meaning. The novel's episodic structure adds to the puzzle-like quality of the narrative. The reader must pay close attention to the connections between the different parts of the novel to make sense of it. - Ulysses is a novel that requires patience and thoughtfulness to fully appreciate it. - The novel delves into the characters' psyches and explores the workings of the human mind. - The stream-of-consciousness technique and the multiple perspectives make it an intellectual challenge but also a rewarding and enriching reading experience. Ulysses is not just a novel but a work of art that demands careful analysis and interpretation. It has challenged readers for almost a century, and its impact on literature and culture continues to be felt today. The novel remains a testament to Joyce's mastery of the English language and his innovative approach to storytelling.

Reviews

Ulysses was released to mixed reviews in 1922. The novel was praised for its experimental style and bold approach to literature by some critics, who considered it a groundbreaking work of modern literature. However, others found the book indecent and difficult to follow, with its stream-of-consciousness narration and complex language. Despite the mixed reviews, Ulysses has endured as a classic piece of literature, with many appreciating its unique approach to storytelling and its deep explorations of the human psyche. The novel has been studied and analyzed extensively, and it continues to inspire readers and writers around the world. - Some critics referred to it as "the most important book of the century". - It was banned in the UK and the US for obscenity until the 1930s and 1960s, respectively. - The book was praised for its unique narrative style, which is often cited as the precursor to modernist literature. Despite the initial mixed reviews, Ulysses is now widely considered one of the greatest literary works of all time. It has been adapted into plays, films, and other forms of media, and its influence can be seen in countless other works of literature. The novel continues to captivate and challenge readers, offering new insights and perspectives with each successive reading.

Details

Ulysses is a novel that was written by James Joyce between 1914 and 1921. This modernist masterpiece features 18 chapters and is divided into three main sections: The Telemachiad, The Odyssey, and The Nostos. Each section corresponds to a stage in the journey of the novel's protagonists, Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. The Telemachiad, which is the first section of the novel, introduces us to Stephen Dedalus and his struggles with his father, his Catholic faith, and his literary ambitions. The second section, The Odyssey, is the longest and most complex, and follows Leopold Bloom as he navigates his way through Dublin on June 16, 1904. The final section, The Nostos, brings both characters together and explores themes of homecoming, reconciliation, and redemption. Ulysses is known for its use of multiple narrative styles, including stream-of-consciousness, interior monologue, and parody. It also includes a wealth of literary allusions and references, which Joyce uses to explore themes of identity, history, and the human condition. The novel's structure and style have been subject to much scholarly debate, with critics divided on its merits and interpretation. Some have hailed it as a pioneering work of modernist literature, while others have criticized its deliberate obscurity and unconventional narrative techniques. The lasting impact of Ulysses on literature and culture is undeniable. It has inspired countless writers, filmmakers, and artists, and remains one of the most influential works of the 20th century.

News about Ulysses

In the modern age, James Joyce's Ulysses has continued to be a powerful and compelling work of literature. Its unique style and structure have inspired numerous adaptations, from stage productions and films to graphic novels and audio recordings. Ulysses has also been utilized in universities and literature courses, where it is often studied and analyzed in great detail. In recent years, Ulysses has remained a prevalent work of literature around the world and has garnered acclaim for its influence on modern literature. It's a novel that continues to inspire and challenge readers, and its ideas and themes remain relevant today. As technology has advanced, Ulysses has continued to be adapted to new mediums. It has been adapted into virtual reality experiences, audio walks, and even an interactive app that allows readers to explore the city of Dublin as they read the novel. This diversity of medium has helped to bring the text to a new generation of readers and expand its influence. In addition to adaptations, Ulysses has also been the subject of numerous academic conferences and literary events. These events provide opportunities for readers to engage with the text on a deeper level and allow for debate and discussion about its meaning and significance. the continued popularity of Ulysses is a testament to its enduring power and complexity. It remains a work of art that rewards careful reading and analysis, and its influence on literature and culture continues to grow with each passing year.

Ratings

Ulysses is considered as one of the most significant literary works of the 20th century, which has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years. It has won the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction and been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Many prominent publications and literary journals, such as The Guardian, Time magazine, and Modern Library, have named it as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked Ulysses first on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. It is also regarded as a masterpiece of stream-of-consciousness writing and has influenced generations of writers and intellectuals. Ulysses was initially received with mixed reviews upon its publication in 1922. Still, over time, it has been recognized as a groundbreaking work of literature, and its reputation has risen considerably since its first release. It continues to inspire writers, filmmakers, and artists to this day and is widely regarded as a must-read for those interested in modernist literature. The novel's unique and experimental style has made it an intellectual challenge that demands rigorous analysis and interpretation. Still, it also provides great rewards for those willing to put in the effort. The intricate web of plots and characters, vivid imagery, and intense psychological dissection of the human mind make Ulysses a timeless piece of literature that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

Book Notes

Ulysses is not a novel that can be rushed through. It requires time and patience from the reader. Each chapter is unique and requires careful reading to fully understand and appreciate the complexity and depth of the characters and story. It's important to immerse yourself in the world of the story and allow yourself to be fully absorbed in the narrative. The stream-of-consciousness style, multiple perspectives, and non-linear structure may be confusing at first, but with time, the pieces will start to fit together. Ulysses is a novel that rewards careful reading. The historical references, allusions to literature, and intricate wordplay provide endless opportunities for interpretation and analysis. Consider taking notes as you read and using outside sources to deepen your understanding. Reading guides and critical essays can provide valuable insight into the themes and symbolism present in Ulysses. It's also important to remember that there is no single "correct" interpretation of Ulysses. The novel is open to multiple readings and each individual reader may have their own unique perspective. fully appreciating Ulysses requires patience, immersion, and careful reading. But the rewards are endless, as it is a novel that offers something new with each reading and provides a deep insight into the human psyche. Read the full article

#UlyssesBookdescription #Ulyssesbooknotes #Ulyssescharacteranalysis #Ulyssesreviews

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diamondnokouzai · 2 years

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wheres “ogre so stupid, ogre read ulysses by james joyce but cant comprehend themes that make it post-modernist classic!”

#.din #.txt

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alwaysscreechingbasement · 3 years

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Transcript: Picture of a crying ogre holding a copy of Ulysses by James Joyce. The ogre is saying the following: “Everyone call Ogre stupid and it true! Ogre barely even literate! Ogre finally finished reading Ulysses, but Ogre only can identify surface level themes like Religion and Nationalism and can’t comprehend deeper ideas like the “Remorse of Conscience” that make James Joyce’s novel a Modernist classic! Ogre so dumb, it make Ogre sad! At this rate, Ogre will never understand Finnegans Wake!“ Source (creator’s Twitter NSFW)

#art #ogre #ulysses #james joyce #finnegans wake

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lightsaroundyourvanity · 3 years

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Ksbdjdk Okay I'm really really sorry for sending ANOTHER ask but also, I would kill for book recs because I finished the sun also rises last week and I'm dying, I need more (even though the amount of books on my to-read list is already way too much lmao)

the sun also rises is one of my favourites!! tbh i have some very controversial hemingway opinions (in that i love him lmao.... my cat is named after his son!) if you liked that I'd also rec~

fitzgerald - very different writing style, but deals with a lot of similar themes. the great gatsby, of course, but for this particular rec list i would suggest tender is the night

save me the waltz which was zelda fitzgerald's only published book and the things she does with imagery is just??? god she was so underrated

a moveable feast -- this is hemingway's memoirs from his time living in 1920s paris and it is one of my all time favourite books, i've read in a thousand times. THE book to read if you want something else flavoured like the sun also rises though

nightwood by djuna barnes, a brilliant modernist writer (this book has the added benefit of being terribly gay)

their eyes were watching god by zora neale hurston -- an all time classic of the harlem renaissance. janie crawford is a protagonist that will stick with you forever

everybody behaved badly is a newer book that is sort of a biography of the writing of the sun also rises

the autobiography of alice b. toklas which is kind of like gertrude stein's a moveable feast (all of her contemporaries hated it lmao)

mrs dalloway by virginia woolf if another of my favourites, another brilliant modernist novel

the short stories of katherine mansfield -- hemingway was a huge fan! and i think you can see that reflected a lot in his work

all of anais nin's paris diaries <3 <3 <3

the awakening by kate chopin predates modernism slightly but i think heralded its coming in a lot of ways

the overcoat and other stories by nikolai gogol -- this might be the wildest swing on this list, but i think there are so many stylistic and emotional similarities between hem's work and gogol's. again, hemingway was a fan, and i think you can really see it comparing them! the overcoat is also just such a lovely, bitter, human little story

i'd be completely remiss if i didn't at least mention ulysses by james joyce here but it is frankly an exhausting book to get through. don't get me wrong it can be completely rewarding! but it's also exhausting lol

#god the power that i'm imbued with when my pretentious side is given permission to go ham #asks #lit tag

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perennialessays · 3 years

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Week 9

Continuing last week's topic, we focus now on modern texts and how the idea of the Underworld and of katabasis is transformed in the twentieth century.

Main texts:

T. S. Eliot, The Waste Land

T. S. Eliot, “Ulysses, Order, and Myth”. [Course Pack]

Primo Levi, If This is a Man (also published in American editions as Survival in Auschwitz)

Please re-read Walcott's "The Schooner Flight" (it was in the Course Pack for week 3)

Some secondary bibliography on Levi

Levi Cicioni, Mirna., Primo Levi: Bridges of Knowledge (Washington: Berg, 1995) Ferme, Valerio, 'Translating the Babel of Horror: Primo Levi's Catharsis through Language in the Holocaust Memoir Se questo è un uomo', Italica, Vol. 78, No. 1 (Spring, 2001), pp. 53-73 http://www.jstor.org/stable/480222 Gordon, Robert S. C., Primo Levi’s Ordinary Virtues: From Testimony to Ethics (Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001) Gunzberg, Lynn M., 'Down among the Dead Men: Levi and Dante in Hell' Modern Language Studies, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Winter, 1986), pp. 10-28 http://www.jstor.org/stable/3195249 Homer, Frederic D., Primo Levi and the Politics of Survival (Columbia and London: University of Missouri Press, 2001) Kremer, Roberta S. (ed.), Memory and Mastery: Primo Levi as Writer and Witness (Albany: State University of New York Press, 2001) Levi, Primo, The Voice of Memory: Interviews 1961-87, ed. by Marco Belpoliti and Robert S. C. Gordon (Cambridge: Polity, 2001) Rudolf, Anthony, At An Uncertain Hour: Primo Levi's War Against Oblivion (London: Menard Press, 1990) Sachs, Dalya M., 'The Language of Judgment: Primo Levi's "Se questo è un uomo"', MLN, Vol. 110, No. 4, Comparative Literature Issue (Sep., 1995), pp. 755-784 http://www.jstor.org/stable/3251203

Some bibliography on Eliot (in relation to today's theme)

Heaney, Seamus, 'Envies and Identifications: Dante and the Modern Poet', Irish University Review, Vol. 15, No. 1 (Spring, 1985), pp. 5-19 http://www.jstor.org/stable/25477569 Leland, Blake, '"Siete Voi Qui, Ser Brunetto?" Dante's Inferno 15 as a Modernist Topic Place', ELH, Vol. 59, No. 4 (Winter, 1992), pp. 965-986 http://www.jstor.org/stable/2873302 Reckford, Kenneth, 'Recognizing Venus (II): Dido, Aeneas, and Mr. Eliot', Arion, Third Series, Vol. 3, No. 2/3 (Fall, 1995 - Winter, 1996), pp. 43-80 http://www.jstor.org/stable/20163573 Reeves, Gareth, '"The Waste Land" and the "Aeneid"', The Modern Language Review, Vol. 82, No. 3 (Jul., 1987), pp. 555-572 http://www.jstor.org/stable/3730416 Spears Brooker, Jewel, 'Transcendence and Return: T. S. Eliot and the Dialectic of Modernism', South Atlantic Review, Vol. 59, No. 2 (May, 1994), pp. 53-74 http://www.jstor.org/stable/3200797 Worthen, William B., 'Eliot's Ulysses', Twentieth Century Literature, Vol. 27, No. 2 (Summer, 1981), pp. 166-177 http://www.jstor.org/stable/441137 (on Eliot and Joyce's Ulysses) If you are interested in Black fiction: Cooke, Michael G., 'The Descent into the Underworld and Modern Black Fiction', The Iowa Review, Vol. 5, No. 4 (Fall, 1974), pp. 72-90 http://www.jstor.org/stable/20158305

Myth

Myth:

Greek muō [or myō] = “ I have my mouth closed” or “I have my eyes closed” in everyday situation, but also “I say in a special way” or “I see in a special way”, in the context of ritual. From the latter meaning, mustēs [or mystēs], “one who is initiated”, and mustērion [mystērion], “That in which one is initiated, a mystery”.

Muthos [mythos], “myth”, derives from the same root, and can mean “special speech” as opposed to ‘everyday speech”

[Gregory Nagy, “Early Greek views of poets and poetry”, in The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism, Vol. 1 Classical Criticism, ed. by George A. Kennedy (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1989), p. 3]

The concept of myth is initially linked to that of ritual.

In pan-Hellenic society, the poet / singer travels from city to city and is exposed to variant myths in different communities; myth becomes detached from ritual, and the concepts of myth and truth (alētheia) also diverge: what can be accepted as genuine (etumon / etymon) in one city may be seen as fallacy or lie (pseudos) in another.

The word “myth”, which initially stood for truth-values related to rituals, acquires the meaning of what is variable, has local meaning, what has to change in the singer’s repertoire as he moves from one community to another; the singer will select those aspects of myth that are common to all places he visits. (Nagy, pp. 29-30)

#Studies in Comparative Literature and Criticism

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tiger-manya · 4 years

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So, my Miraculous Ulysses AU.

I was genuinely surprised how many people responded to this (which is like… ten, but still). Thank you everyone, @furryhamlet in particular. I don’t know how serious I am about this, but does anybody really?

First, let us take a moment to establish the main similarities between Ulysses, a modernist masterpiece by James Joyce, and Miraculous Ladybug, a (debatably metamodern?) kids show:

puns;

the revolutionary new trope of main hero having a dead mother and the resulting father issues (never done before or after);

farts and bathroom humour (more prevalent in Ulysses, of course).

I think everything is quite clear.

And now, without further ado, Miraculous Ulysses AU:

It’s still Dublin, it’s still 1904, but now there’s also magic. And superheroes.

Stephen Dedalus has a black cat miraculous; Buck Mulligan has a bee miraculous; Simon Dedalus has a butterfly miraculous (not because I think it suits him, but because someone has to); Leopold Bloom is the guardian, but he doesn't do a very good job; Molly is often Ladybug, but it's not like she cares a lot.

All of them, of course, have different names for their alternate personas, but I'm not clever enough with names and not skilled enough with English language. Let's just say: Simon doesn't bother; Bloom comes up with a name for every person he gives a miraculous to, but none of them use those; Stephen has a million names, all very deep and clever, but the only one that stuck is whatever Mulligan mockingly called him that one time; and I don't know what's Bee!Mulligan name is, but it's inappropriate for general audiences.

I’ll have some placeholder names to make it easier for myself. Stephen may remain Chat Noir (he would probably name himself after a cabaret, at least to honour his teenage rebellion against church); Simon Dedalus can be Moth Daddy; Buck is… idk, Hornet? Hornet will do.

May Dedalus, Stephen’s mother, died not from cancer but from the misuse of the damaged peacock miraculous. After her death, Simon started akumatizing people into villains. He’s aware of the wish, but at this point it’s mostly about revenge to Chat Noir.

(Chat Noir might be the one who damaged the peacock miraculous in the first place, but it never said outright.)

He, of course, doesn't know anything about his son being Chat. Stephen, however, knows everything about his parents, but has no idea what to do with this information. It's a source of his resentment, but he can't bring himself to properly sort out his feelings.

Mulligan and Stephen know nothing about each other’s alternate identities. Stephen is friends with Mulligan mostly because his father doesn't want it. He actually resents Mulligan a lot, but is sympathetic towards Hornet because sees him as someone similar to him, someone who could actually understand his world-view and take it seriously. Chat spends some efforts to turn Hornet to his side but to no avail. Mulligan, on the other hand, thinks Chat Noir is a pretentious prick, but has a lot of genuine admiration for Stephen, even though he hides it under the layers of sarcasm and cynicism, as he doesn't want to be seen as weak. And that is your love square, everybody.

Hornet starts out as an independent party, but at some point begins working for Moth. Naturally, Simon finds out his identity and that’s the main reason he doesn’t want to see him anywhere near his son.

It’s Bloom who deals with the most akuma emergencies. He often recruits different dubliners to his side, but almost none of them stick to the job. Chat helps time to time, even though this help is often incidental, and he’s a lot more interested in Hornet shenanigans. Bloom is aware of Chat, but they never have time to properly talk to each other. Bloom wants to meet him; Bloom is searching for him.

The guardian duties tire him a lot. Bloom inherited the miracle box from his father with three miraculous already missing. Later he lost the fourth one, the bee miraculous, which he considers his greatest mistake. His relationship with Molly is not that great either. She used to regularly take a role of Ladybug, but after her singing career took off, she started losing interest. Nowadays Bloom often gives the ladybug miraculous to other women. Gerty is one of them.

Boylan is there somewhere. There’s probably an episode where he gets akumatized and Bloom and Molly are the ones to deal with it (very awkward for all parties).

Just so you know, the masturbation scene is still there.

There are a lot of Odyssey themed akumas. For instance, local back-seat political expert The Citizen is turned into Cyclops.

There was one person Stephen tried to tell about Chat Noir. A few years ago, before his run off to Paris, he tried talking to Cranly about the ring. He immediately got excited about the possibilities, insisted he and Stephen could work together as a superhero team. Stephen tried to explain himself, but ultimately saw that Cranly wouldn't ever understand. He brushed the whole thing off as a joke and never returned to it. At some point, Stephen thinks he should reveal himself to Mulligan, but then remembers Cranly and decides against it.

Haines’s dream about panther hunting is still there and now it cuts even deeper.

There’s a Chat Blanc type episode. It’s called Pangur Bán and it’s about the horrifying alternate reality of Stephen staying in Ireland (it’s not that bad, actually, but Stephen has a meltdown).

Ultimately, Stephen finds out Hornet is Mulligan. That's what seals his betrayal to Stephen, so there is nothing he could do but go to the brothel and get drunk. What led him to this discovery is that during their last encounter Hornet reused one of Stephen's aphorisms only Mulligan could know at that point. (He also grossly misquoted it and twisted the meaning.)

It’s in the brothel that Bloom recognizes Stephen (who is severely drunk at this point) as a son of his friend and saves him from the trouble he’s about to lead himself into. That’s when he notices the ring and realizes that Stephen is Chat Noir.

Bloom is happy beyond belief. He’s finally met someone he could share his guardian duties with. He buys Stephen some food and lets him sober up a bit, afterwards he invites him to his home and proposes a plan. Stephen could live in Bloom’s house with a better, more stable job. Bloom could share all his guardian knowledge with him, so he could better control his powers. They could work together as a team to finally bring Moth and Hornet to justice and end all this mess. Finally, Stephen could become the next guardian and have a miracle box all to himself. He responds to this with silence. Bloom apologizes and says he understands it’s a lot to take in, so he tells Stephen to think on it until morning.

Bloom falls asleep near his wife, full of hope for the future.

Before dawn, Stephen leaves Bloom’s house with his ring and his wallet. He plans to spend his last money on a ticket to France.

Before we end, a few things about an ideal media format for this AU:

It’s an animated tv series, at least 3 seasons long.

The style and quality of animation varies drastically from episode to episode, sometimes suddenly changing in the middle of one. There are at least 9 studious working on this, the communication between them isn’t great.

It all takes place in one day, 16 June 1904, but the viewers can’t tell that for sure until the last episode. This revelation might frustrate them at first, but once they’ll look back, they realize it kind of makes sense, as there is hardly any change of weather or time of day during the vast majority of episodes.

Unfortunately, it will be very hard to look back at, as all the episodes are aired out of order.

The series is broadcasted in many countries, each of which has its own order of episodes. And none of them has a full translation. Actually, nobody can have a full translation, until the thing becomes public domain. Until then, there are only automatically generated and machine translated subtitles. And fansubs, I guess.

Not to mention it gets banned really quickly in a lot of places.

The fans lose their mind, trying to establish continuity. There are multiple theories and theme tables to make sense of it all. The meaning also can change drastically, depending on the order you watch it in, so there are full-blown fandom continuity wars. People go mad. People die. It feels like a fever dream.

But once it all put together?

Absolute masterpiece.

Thank you for reading. Sorry for any mistakes or awkward English.

Was this necessary? No. Will I stand by it? Well, yes I said yes I will Yes

#miraculous ladybug #ulysses #james joyce #Stephen Dedalus #the tales of ladybug and cat noir #miraculous au #Buck Mulligan #Leopold Bloom #Simon Dedalus #May Dedalus #miraculous holders #crack #?#i'm sorry #or am i really?

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