“Commemorating the life and legend of Irish writer James Joyce on Bloomsday, every June 16, we take a moment to honor and celebrate all we’ve gained from his works. The significance of June 16 is taken from his 1922 novel, Ulysses, which takes place on June 16, 1904, and follows a day in the life of the story’s protagonist (Leopold Bloom). It is also the day Joyce went on his first date with his then wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle. Either way, National Bloomsday commemorates these two occasions every year on June 16. The story of Leopold Bloom is recognized as one of Continue reading “Bloomsday – 16th of June”
Crowds, Well Maybe…
Saturday night, Señora and I went to a party at a friend’s house who lives in The Hill district of St. Louis. This friend shares the same first name with Señora which occasionally gets confusing. We socialize with another couple and the man shares a first name with me. People tend to say Cathy’s David or Robin’s David. Just to set the picture a little clearer, all of the folks at this party were retired, and if not they were getting close. If you had been in your late 50s you would have been a youngster there.
If you are not familiar with St. Louis you might not know about The Hill. In less politically correct times Continue reading “Crowds, Well Maybe…”
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man By James Joyce
I was raised Southern Baptist, primarily in the Okie tradition of rural churches. As such I held the opinion that the Baptists had cornered the market on fire and brimstone, damnation, hell and guilt. I experienced all of these as real threats much too far into my adult life. James Joyce reminded me unflinchingly that Catholics have been marketing these commodities long before the Baptists came along. As to who does the dance of eternal damnation better it is a toss-up in my mind.
I did not know anything about this book before I read it. I had read Dubliners and enjoyed it very much. I had read Ulysses which left me scratching my head a bit. What I was not expecting was such a religious work. I suppose Joyce wanted the reader to know the journey he had undertaken to get to where he was. If you read any biographical articles about James Joyce you will find that his relationship with the Catholic religion is described as “complex”. Continue reading “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man By James Joyce”
Quote for the Day – James Joyce
“that was a relief wherever you be let your wind go free” ~~ Molly Bloom in Ulysses by James Joyce
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