Finnegans Wake Grappa discussion

"though all's fair in vanessy"

Apparently Joyce was referencing one of Swift's mistresses (Vanessa) but this line sticks with me because I love its doubling:

"All's fair (comely) in vanity"
"All's fair (anything goes) in fantasy"

of course that latter might be about the nature of the Wake itself, but I like the entwining of fantasy/vanity, as what is comely in vanity is a kind of fantasy, etc. I find myself reciting this line especially when I'm trying to "converse" with a certain kind of person, or when I'm getting a dose of the Evening News of the World..

Yes. It is a lovely one . I am considering making a topic for our favourite joycean words - some of them are so rich with meaning it takes my breath away