Literary Analysis of Hades in Ulysses by James Joyce

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Ulysses by James Joyce
In this essay, I chose paragraph 10 of Episode 6, also known as “Hades,” in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. This passage from James Joyce’s novel Ulysses describes the character of Mr. Bloom entering a carriage and taking a seat. The language used to describe this action is deliberate and specific, with words like “slammed” and “shut tight” suggesting a sense of finality or closure. This action of closing the door and shutting himself inside the carriage could symbolize Mr. Bloom’s inward focus and his desire to be alone with his thoughts. The passage then goes on to describe Mr. Bloom looking out the window of the carriage at the blinds of the avenue. The detail about one of the blinds being dragged aside and an older woman peering out adds a sense of voyeurism and intrigue to the scene. Besides, this could be seen as a metaphor for how people often try to peek into the lives of others and satisfy their curiosity about what is happening behind closed doors. As the passage unfolds, it explores death’s complex and multifaceted nature and its impact on individuals and society.
The passage then shifts to a discussion of people’s interest in a corpse and the preparations for a funeral. The language used to describe these activities is negative and dismissive, with words like “unclean” and “huggermugger” suggesting a sense of disgust or disdain. Notably, this could reflect Mr. Bloom’s cynical or skeptical attitude toward death and the rituals surrounding it. Notably, this passage reveals some of the themes and concerns central to Ulysses, including isolation, curiosity, and the human experience of death and loss. Through specific language and imagery, Joyce can explore these themes and invite readers to consider their attitudes and beliefs. The passage also touches on the theme of curiosity, as exemplified by the old woman peering at the corpse, and the theme of discomfort, as seen through those preparing the body being “glad to see us go” (Joyce 72).
The action of Mr. Bloom closing the carriage’s door "twice till it shut tight" contributes to the overall tone and atmosphere of the passage in several ways. First, the specific language used to describe this action, with words like “slammed” and “shut tight,” creates a sense of finality and closure. Besides, this suggests that Mr. Bloom is deliberately shutting himself off from the outside world and creating a private space for himself (Joyce 72). Second, closing the door could symbolize Mr. Bloom’s inward focus and his desire to be alone with his thoughts. Moreover, this contributes to a sense of solitude and isolation in the passage. Finally, closing the door could also reflect Mr. Bloom’s desire to escape from the outside world and the various distractions and demands it places on him. Accordingly, this adds a sense of frustration or weariness to the passage and helps to establish Mr. Bloom as a complex and multifaceted character.
The detail about the older woman peering through the window reveals several things about the character of Mr. Bloom and ...