Essay on Theme of Epiphany in James Joyces Ulysses

The Theme of Epiphany in Ulysses James Joyces Ulysses is a novel of epic proportions that has been proclaimed the greatest piece of literature of the twentieth century. Ulysses takes place in Dublin, Ireland on June 16, 1904. The book is full of parallels, metaphors, and experimental literary techniques. However, a dominant theme is that of epiphany. Not necessarily religious in meaning, the Joycean idea of epiphany is a sudden discovery of the essential nature or meaning of something. In Ulysses, Joyce describes the pursuits of two main protagonists, Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, both individuals yearning for something more. As the day progresses the two characters unknowingly cross paths until, as a result†¦show more content†¦Only, when he encounters Bloom and his fatherly charity can Stephen find the aspects of a grown man in himself. Mr. Leopold Bloom ate with relish the inner organs of beasts and fowls, (55) and is the main focus of much of the novel. Bloom is an advertisement salesman for an Irish paper and is quite ordinary. Although an everyman, Bloom is elevated to hero status by Joyces direct representation of inner monologue. Experiencing the thoughts and fantasies straight from Blooms unconscious, the reader befriends the bourgeois man and comes to know well his many quirks. But Bloom is not without his own yearnings. Blooms life is centered around his wife Molly. He brings her breakfast in bed and buys her gifts of lotions and erotic lingerie, despite his knowledge of her adulterous lifestyle. Though they have a fifteen year old daughter who is away at school, Bloom is without son and heir. His son Rudy died at an early age and Bloom thoughts always return to him. This image of youth and a second chance Bloom eventually finds in Stephen. After teaching a class and engaging in Shakespearean conversation at the library, Stephen ends his afternoon by drinking with some friends at a maternity house. Bloom, who stops by to visit a female companion who has been in labor for three days, joins Stephen and his medical student friends. Bloom is good friends with Simon Dedalus, Stephen father, and it is for this reason he decidesShow MoreRelatedStyle and Themes of James Joyce2485 Words   |  10 PagesBesmer 1 Brian Besmer Mr. Anselmo English IV 11/13/00 Styles of James Joyce I will be discussing the styles of James Joyce and how his life experiences, his surroundings, and himself affected his writings this area. James Joyce is an extremely versatile author. He has written books that were entire collections of short stories such as Dubliners and long novels such as Ulysses. Much of Joyces life contributed to his writings and he has been influence by many people andRead MoreJames Joyce Annotated Bibliography Essay3544 Words   |  15 PagesJoyces modernistic view of Dublin society permeates all of his writings. The Irish experiences account for a large portion of Joyces writings. 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