Thursday, September 9, 2010
Proud Potent Titles
Joyce writes, "The potent titles clanged over Stephen's memory the triumph of their brazen bells: et unam sanctam catholicam et apostolicam ecclesiam: the slow growth and change of rite and dogma like his own rare thoughts, a chemistry of stars." I understand this passage to be a comparison between the rich history of Catholicism and the churning layers of Dedalus's thoughts. Does Joyce use the word "triumph" sarcastically, or is he earnestly lauding Catholicism for staying true to itself despite the challenges of Photius, Arius, Valentine, and Sabellius, just as an active mind tries to remain unchanged in the face of new ideas?
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In this case, I think the word "triumph" is a display of the lasting effects of his past and his beliefs that have shaped him, which can be seen through "the slow growth" of "his own rare thoughts." Joyce does use the word triumph a bit sarcastically because we know that Dedalus has renounced Christianity. His blasphemy appears in mocking the religion by using superlatives such as "proud" and "triumph." I feel like Stephen has ultimately renounced the religion, but like the memories of his mother, his thoughts of Christianity are still with him.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gi, I appreciate the thorough response. I agree with your thoughts, especially your comparison between Stephen's late mother and former religion.
ReplyDeleteI think I tried to make this point in my presentation, but I'll see if I can say it better here. I think that despite his rejection of Catholic morality, and his decision to pursue his goals free from the constraints of religious doctrine, he does believe in God, and in fact believes that he is going to hell for his presumption. You may notice that he is unable to joyfully mock religion in the same way Mulligan does. After Mulligan's "Ballad of Joking Jesus", when Haines asks if he has heard it before, Stephen replies sarcastically, "Three times a day, after meals". And in this very train of thought he scorns Mulligan's carefree attitude towards religion, thinking, "A horde of heresies fleeing with mitres awry: Photius and the brood of mockers of whom Mulligan was one..." He also bluntly says, when asked by Haines about his religious status, "You behold in me.... a horrible example of free thought", and lists "an Italian" as one of his "two masters". Yeah. I think Stephen believes he is going to hell for his actions, and yet, assuming a Lucifer-like identity, continues to defy God. This is a really powerful image in my opinion, the man choosing freedom of expression despite the adversity and pain that awaits him for it. It really gives Stephen a sort of noble character. One man against the world: that's always beautiful.
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