Reading Check # 1

Post date: Apr 23, 2013 10:32:30 AM

Chapter 1

Banal Summary: Some friends get ready for the day, make fun of each other, eat breakfast, plan their day, go for a swim.

Quotes:

  • "The scrotum tightening sea": Hahahahahaha.

  • "He fears the lancet of my art...": The pen is mightier than the sword.

  • "He kills his mother but he can't wear grey trousers": Biting sarcasm throughout.

  • "I remember only ideas and impressions": Tell me about it...

  • "And what is death...it's a beastly thing and nothing else. It simply doesn't matter" 'nuff said.

  • "Wavewhite wedded words": alliteration at it's finest.

  • "love's bitter mystery"

  • Let me be and let me live.

  • The sacred pint alone can unbind the tongue of Dedalus: haha, so true.

  • Buck Mulligan erect, with joined hands before him, said solemnly: --He who stealeth from the poor lendeth to the Lord. Thus spake Zarathustra. His plump body plunged.: Haha, French broad rock jumping.

Word of the Day: plump

Reflection:

What an opener! I've read this first chapter probably 10 times and it never gets old. I'm struck by the memories of Stephen as the slightest smell, sound, or word will remind him of the death of his mother. Joyce is onto something here about how the mind works, how grief operates, and how our senses are connected. The descriptions of sight and smell are truly sublime.

Also, Buck Milligan is awesome. Who wouldn't want a friend like that? He would wear you out eventually, but in short bursts would be a heck of a good time.

Template:

Chapter X

Banal Summary:

Quotes:

  • X

Word of the Day:

  • X

Reflection: