Ulysses by James Joyce complete pdf ebook

Ulysses by James Joyce is not a holy book in the traditional sense, but I have chosen to post it here because of my admiration of the work. I also think that many of this sites friends would find it interesting. For more information on Ulysses please read the Wiki article.

I found this photo of Marilyn Monroe reading Ulysses from 1954. The photographer, Eve Arnold, was preparing his camera and Marilyn was just waiting around with her book. Marilyn later said that Ulysses was giving her trouble and because it was so hard she only read bits and pieces at a time, but she also liked to read certain parts of it out loud.

Do like Marylin, read Ulysses, download it here (492 pages):

Ulysses by James Joyce

Summary of Ulysses

Ulysses, written by James Joyce and published in 1922, is a complex and highly influential novel that chronicles a single day in the lives of several characters in Dublin, Ireland. Set on June 16, 1904, the story follows Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom as they navigate their personal experiences, thoughts, and interactions. The novel is known for its experimental narrative style, which incorporates stream-of-consciousness writing, multiple perspectives, and a rich tapestry of literary techniques. Each chapter presents a unique perspective, often mirroring different literary styles and exploring various themes.

Inner thoughts and desire

Through its exploration of the ordinary and the mundane, Ulysses delves into the complexities of human consciousness, sexuality, religion, politics, and Irish identity. The novel delves into the inner thoughts and desires of its characters, revealing their struggles, dreams, and anxieties. Leopold Bloom, the central character, is a Jewish advertising salesman who embarks on a journey through Dublin. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters and experiences, from encounters in a funeral procession to a controversial visit to a brothel. Bloom’s experiences throughout the day mirror elements of Homer’s Odyssey, which serves as a thematic backdrop to the novel.

Religion and Irish nationalism

Stephen Dedalus, a young aspiring writer and former protagonist of Joyce’s earlier work, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, also plays a significant role in Ulysses. Stephen’s intellectual and philosophical musings intersect with Bloom’s experiences, providing contrasting perspectives on art, religion, and Irish nationalism. Molly Bloom, Leopold’s wife, concludes the novel with her famous soliloquy, known as the “Penelope” episode. Molly’s unabashed and sensual monologue reflects her desires, memories, and reflections on her life and relationships. Ulysses is celebrated for its linguistic virtuosity, its incorporation of various literary styles, and its innovative narrative structure. It challenged traditional notions of storytelling and pushed the boundaries of what a novel could be.

While Ulysses initially faced controversy and censorship due to its explicit content and challenging style, it has since become revered as a seminal work of modernist literature. It continues to be studied, analyzed, and celebrated for its deep exploration of the human condition, its linguistic inventiveness, and its vivid depiction of Dublin in the early 20th century.