Within this whole book, and especially within these last two chapters, there have been a lot of references to the second coming and the apocalypse. Early on in the novel Deseay pointed out how the Jews have “sinned against the light…you can see the darkness in their eyes” (34). Then in the wanderings rocks scene “Father Conmee thought of that tyrannous incontinence, needed however for men’s race on earth, and of the ways of God which were not our ways.” In that chapter people are shown to be incontinent, and all passively react to the fact that “Elijah is Coming.” In the Cyclops episode this theme is manifested in the “parodies.” The nameless narrator through parody displays the annals of history, and superimposes them. On pages 296-297 there is a long list of Irish heroes. But in this list there are people like Caesar and Napolean. This creates a sense of a common history, for either Ireland or all mankind. Being Irish, the characters have a blurred sense of identity. But simultaneously one realizes how all humanity is affected by these same heroes. Being this way, societies can become analogous to each other. The citizen mentions how the Irish are assimilated to British standards, meaning “there would soon be as few Irish in Ireland as red-skins in America” (329). Since varying societies have common histories, one can wonder if there will be a common end to society.
In this thought the importance of the apocalypse is made clear. If all cultures become interlaced, will their prophecies be too? This exploration is also found in the chapter. When the narrator speaks of the soul of Paddy Dignam he describes its theosophical journey. But Dignam was Catholic so many believe that his soul will follow a different route. This mixing of prophecy is also found in how Bloom is presented as a messianic figure in this chapter. Bloom is “crucified’ by his chiding comrades, and is referred to as “ben Bloom Elijah” (345). In this it is hard to say whether he is messianic himself, or like Elijah, is just a sign of the messiah coming. Either way there is a strong sense of the apocalypse in this chapter. There is the discussion of the earthquake and natural disaster, and also the citizen encourages people to “read the revelations that’s going on in the papers about flogging” (328). If anything the presentation of Bloom as messianic suggests that anyone can be. Since Bloom is a very ordinary person it implies that an escape from this “Wasteland” could be found in anyone.
Questions:
What significance do you think this new narrator played? I thought it was a great way to display how strongly Bloom is disapproved of.
Do you think Joyce shares any opinions with these characters? I find it difficult to make assumptions because all are equally supported and refuted.
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I really like your comments on the connectivity of Ireland to the rest of the world. Before reading that I really didn't know what to make of the list of Irish heroes that contained...Benjamin Franklin. That insight also explains how Joyce can stand so fervently against Irish nationalism and still treat Ireland so affectionately (by, for example writing an 800 page book about the nations capital).
As for the narrator, I think he's used to demonstrate Bloom's role as an outsider. I also think he's a clever way of making us realize why we like Bloom. One of my favorite moments is when the narrator says that if you showed Bloom a straw and said, "That's a straw," Bloom would talk about it for an hour. Maybe it's just me, but I'd like to have that conversation. I don't think that's a flaw - I think that's what makes Bloom a hero.
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