When I read it I definitely wasn't clear on why exactly Joyce focused on the things he focused on in this book, but the more time has gone on, the more I see the patterns he evokes playing out again and again, driving history.
Take the pattern of the something that happened in the dark at Phoenix Park - we don't quite know what, but my God, you know what goes on. Soldiers and young girls, I don't have to paint you a picture. Anyway, we all have a very strong opinion about it.
Just see how many times you spot that motif in life and history in the next year.
Take the pattern of the something that happened in the dark at Phoenix Park - we don't quite know what, but my God, you know what goes on. Soldiers and young girls, I don't have to paint you a picture. Anyway, we all have a very strong opinion about it.
Just see how many times you spot that motif in life and history in the next year.