Reading Ulysses for Fun: Intro to Ithaca Episode (Watch BEFORE Reading)

Here's a quick introduction to the Ithaca chapter of Ulysses. The style is distracting and I hope this makes it easier for you. The boys do a bit of bonding but how does it all turn out? We'll see!
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[@gimbutas1]

You might mention a subtitle for Ulysses as "Long Days Journey Into A Boner". It all fits with June 21 as Summer Solstice, The Sun at it's most intense, procreation, passion, Nora pleasuring Joyce with her hand at the seaside on that date...etc. I have also heard that the climax of an Egyptian temple ritual was the Queen stroking the Pharaoh.

[@TeachUBusiness]

Remember that we are on June 16th, not the 21st. The day is significant as the day that Joyce met Nora. He could have used the 21st for the book and layered in more references for us to decipher. Why didn't he? Joyce set a very difficult task for himself. Imagine writting a book packed with symbolic meaning that is based on very precise fact. It would be easier to make symbolic points if you create the events with a creative mind. Joyce uses the 16th because he is tipping his hat to Nora but he also avoids the trap of bending reality to fit his message(s). Wandering Rocks is his great chapter on precision. That said, Joyce was always frank about sexuality. People do it. Sex isn't there to spice up the book, it's there because it's as much a part of a day as eating, working, and defecating. This is another tract that Joyce avoids. He doesn't elevate sex the slightest notch above where he wants it and reserves his 'preaching' for the big things like the stagnation of Ireland.

[@gimbutas1]

Stuart Gilbert worked with Joyce. I have read his "Study". You might make a graphic of the Schema as a screen insert. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_schema_for_Ulysses
Where do I find out the influence on Joyce of The Egyptian Book Of The Dead?

[@TeachUBusiness]

Thank you for adding to this project with your comments. There are numerous books written on Ulysses and it is possible to analyze the book for a lifetime. I made these videos to help new readers experience a great classic and have fun along the way. A few others have mentioned the schema but I decided that I didn't want to go beyond conversational explanation. As for the Wake, there are books written on that book as well. Many people have asked if I would do the Wake next and that answer is no. I would need 20 hours of video to get off the first page! Enjoy your Odyssey and let me know if and how the book touches you.

[@celenebru]

Why does Stephen sing an anti-Semitic song to Bloom in this chapter?!

[@TeachUBusiness]

I believe Stephen feels that Bloom is a kindred spirit. They are both victims of Jewishness. Both "beheaded". Stephen is also a bit of a contrarian ass, don't you think? I probably should say they are victims of religion. Bloom is an outcast because of his Jewish family background though his father left the religion and married a gentile as did Bloom. Stephen feels trapped by religion. He doesn't believe most of it but fears the downside of unbelief, hell and punishment. I believe he is making a mockey of all of it. in the spirit of the chapter, what do you think?

[@TeachUBusiness]

I also want to say that has something to do with taking chances with...what? Sexuality? Women? The boy hits the ball over and there is no consequence. The second time he breaks a window...but it is when he answers her call that he loses his head. Pushing his luck.