Joyce's Sexual Manifesto: Sex and Sexuality in James Joyce's Ulysses Open Access

Abstract

Abstract
Joyce's Sexual Manifesto: Sex and Sexuality in James Joyce's Ulysses
By Alexandra B. Prebul

This thesis explores sex and corporeality in Ulysses, providing a multidisciplinary interpretation of sexuality and sexual expression in James Joyce's early modernist text. Joyce weaves the theme of sexuality throughout Ulysses, particularly in the episodes "Calypso," "Lotus Eaters," "Lestrygonians," "Nausicaa," "Circe," "Ithaca," and "Penelope." During the day of June 16, 1904, Leopold Bloom harbors anxiety about his wife's infidelity, and, instead of taking preventative measures to thwart the affair, Bloom conducts his daily duties and engages in sexual encounters that constitute his own sort of adultery. Joyce's incorporation of sexuality not only generates questions about Bloom's morality and character, but the motif of sexuality also highlights the relationship between religion and sexuality, the dichotomy of masculinity and femininity, and sexual practices, such as voyeurism and masochism, in the novel. Even though Joyce presents sexuality through the manifestations of masochism, adultery, voyeurism, and masturbation, I rationalize his incorporation of these socially and religiously condemned behaviors, proffering that these interactions in the text benefit the characters and serve as portals for self-discovery. Not only does the integration of sexual expression challenge society's established conventions and standards, but sexuality in Ulysses also undermines the social stereotypes that categorize masculinity and femininity in patriarchal society. Therefore, this double-valenced project examines Joyce's erotic discourse in Ulysses and also reveals the deconstructive elements that subvert early twentieth century gender-based stereotypes.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction...1

Chapter 1: Religion and Sexuality...12

Chapter 2: Voyeurism...43

Chapter 3: Deconstructing Gender...68

Conclusion...104

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	English
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Literature, General
Keyword	James Joyce Gender Discrepancy Masochism Voyeurism Sexuality Religion
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Chace, William M, Emory University
Committee Members	Flannery, James W, Emory University Rambuss, Richard, Emory University

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