PLOT (Structure)

The first 5 chapters of the novel form the exposition. By giving the necessary Background Information about Stephen and Bloom, these chapters prepare us for the encounter between Stephen and Bloom, the protagonist of the novel. In the hunt of Stephen for a father figure, Joyce found a symbol for man’s search for social support and for the artist’s search for maturity and humanity.

In Chapter VI during Paddy Dignam’s funeral among the passers-by Bloom sees Stephen. He talks to his father Simon who manages to get a glimpse of his son. Bloom, noting Dedalus’ concern for his son, remembers his dead son Rudy. Here we have the rise in the action of the plot. In the hunt of Bloom for a son figure, Joyce found a symbol for Bloom’s quest for life force and creativity. The scenes in the maternity hospital mark the climax of the story. The outcome is seen in the actual meeting between Bloom, the spiritual father and Stephen, his spiritual son. They immediately find in common an aversion to the ribald disrespect shown by their companions.

Resolution is reached when Bloom takes Stephen to his house in 7, Eccles Street at the end of the novel. Stephen and Bloom are really of one flesh. Stephen has lost a father, for Simon Dedalus is a lost soul. As for Bloom he has lost his only son Rudy. The outcome of the plot is comic, since the reunion between Bloom and Molly and a spiritual union between Bloom and Stephen become possible.

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