James Joyce and the Meaning of Ulysses

Using guides such as books and essays, my readings of James Joyce’s work have been more enduring and symbolical than other experiences. I have recently finished a book on his views on the critical and fanatical reception of his work titled “James Joyce and the Act of Reception”. It is interesting to uncover just how much time Joyce dedicated to hearing the opinion others had to say about his work. The second book I read, “James Joyce and the Language of History”, attempts to uncover the meaning of “Ulysses” using Joyce’s personal views on language and history.

What makes Ulysses, first published on February 2nd, 1922, the innovative masterpiece that it is has more to do with Joyce’s conception of history and humanity than any other concept. If read through this perspective, the book begins to grapple more meaning, turning into a more identifiable work of art. The allegories and hidden meanings are there for all to see and notice. Every page becomes a scavenger hunt for purpose and references to more expansive ideas. In a way, they serve as a portal to the past.

In Ulysses, Joyce was attempting to capture the history of both the world and literature as seen through the eyes of his alter ego, Stephen Daedalus, and Leopold Bloom. Joyce began to experiment with the English language at a very young age. The constant practice led to a complex view for these…