James Joyce's "Ulysses" is a landmark modernist novel that chronicles the events of a single day, June 16, 1904, in Dublin. Here's a summary of its key aspects:

• A Day in Dublin:
  • The novel follows the intertwined lives of three main characters: Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom.
  • It meticulously details their movements and thoughts throughout the day, capturing the ordinary and extraordinary moments of their lives.
• Homeric Parallels:
  • "Ulysses" draws heavily on Homer's "Odyssey," with Leopold Bloom representing Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus representing Telemachus, and Molly Bloom representing Penelope.
  • Each of the novel's 18 episodes loosely corresponds to an episode from the "Odyssey."
• Stream of Consciousness:
  • Joyce employs the stream-of-consciousness technique, which allows readers to access the characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
  • This results in a complex and often challenging narrative style.
• Themes:
  • The novel explores a wide range of themes, including:
    • The nature of identity.
    • The complexities of human relationships.
    • The experience of modern life.
    • Irish nationalism.
    • Human sexuality.
• Modernist Innovation:
  • "Ulysses" is considered a pivotal work of modernist literature due to its experimental use of language, structure, and narrative techniques.
  • It's known for its rich allusions, puns, and parodies.

In essence, "Ulysses" is a deep exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Dublin, and told in a groundbreaking literary style.

Format: Hardcover with the dust jacket

Pages: 783