Comments on: ULYSSES Readalong Ch 12: Cyclops

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 20:40:12 +0000

Problematic sentiments aside, the wordsmithing in this section was super impressive. Actually, I’ve come to realize that I’m continuing with Ulysses more for the interesting renderings of language more so than an attachment to the plot or a character.

This is probably the longest description of a person that I have ever read:
“…of a broadshouldered deepchested stronglimbed frankeyed redhaired freely freckled shaggybearded widemouthed largenosed longheaded deepvoiced barekneed brawnyhanded hairylegged ruddyfaced sinewyarmed hero.” (296)

My favorite word is sinewyarmed.

There was also wordsmithing of logic, here:
“That explains the milk in the coconut and absence of hair on the animal’s chest.” (319)

And here:
“Some people, says Bloom, can see the mole in others’ eyes but they can’t see the beam in their own.” (326)

Finally, I enjoyed this rumination:
“Love loves to love love.” (333)

By: Heidi

Heidi — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 02:49:54 +0000

What a strange episode! On the one hand, I found myself cringing at The Citizen’s blatant anti-Semitic, heck anti-immigrant in general views; while on the other I was jotting down amusing colloquial expressions and trying to figure out ways to slip them into everyday conversation (like the one about nasturtiums).

Like you Kristin, I’ve come to view Poldy as a friend, even if a little bumbling and socially awkward friend. I’m tired of seeing him get treated like a mongrel dog (or worse) and cheered when he stood up for himself, growled a bit like Garryowen if you will, “Force, hatred, history, all that. That’s not life for men and women, insult and hatred. And everybody knows that it’s the very opposite of that [love] that is really life.” [ML 1946 p. 326-327] Sadly though, he gets shouted down and insulted by the bullies once again.

The interspersed parodies were interesting. Schmoop says there are 33. I’ve only been able to count 32, and I went thru their list TWICE again after using it as a guide 1st time thru chapter. Anyone else get 33?

Those amusing colloquial expressions (mostly about drink):
“And he waiting for what the sky would drop in the way of drink.”
“I was blue mouldy for the want of that pint. Declare to God I could hear it hit the pit of my stomach with a click.”
“I beg your parsnips”
“…and by the holy farmer…” “…by herrings…” (and other assorted oaths)
“Could you make a hole in another pint?”
“Teach your grandmother how to milk ducks.”
“I declare to my antimacassar…”

I declare to my antimacassar we’ve made it about halfway through!

By: crystal

crystal — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 23:18:04 +0000

12
Speaking about cajoling with the “druidy druids,” this episode is inebriating.

Fave line:

-Could you make a hole in another pint?
-Could a swim duck?(p.312)

And a few sobering lines from Bloom:

-Some people, says Bloom, can see the mote in others’ eyes but they can’t see the beam in their own.(p. 326)

And

-Persecution, all the history of the world is full of it.Â Perpetuating national hatred among nations.(p. 331)