We are using the original 1922 First Printing by Shakespeare & Co. - section attached
"In the gloomy domed livingroom" - to - "But, hising up her petticoats..."
The Gloomy Domed Livingroom
First, our assessment of the location of a tower remains steadfast. The scene and interior are vividly painted, immersing us in a moody atmosphere. Joyce masterfully describes Buck’s yellow gown, its color shifting subtly in the soft daylight rays:
'Buck Mulligan’s gowned form moved briskly about the hearth to and fro, hiding and revealing its yellow glow'
One can almost see the shades of the gown fluttering, its hues shifting with each of Buck’s movements against the incoming daylight. More brilliant description of the scene is painted. Joyce once again uses light to set the mood, in this case the suttle calmness of the morning:
'Two shafts of soft daylight fell across the flagged floor from the high barbacans : and at the meeting of their rays a cloud of coalsmoke and fumes of fried grease floated, turning.'
Two observations here: First, we can make an educated guess that it’s morning. In deciphering Joyce’s penchant for complexity, we notice that Buck is in a gown, shaving, and seemingly preparing for the day. Stephen also mentions that he’s getting paid today, suggesting he hasn’t been to work yet.
Second, let’s explore the location further by examining the word ‘barbican.’ A ‘barbican’ traditionally refers to an outer defensive wall or a fortified outpost at the entrance of a castle or city, often positioned to protect a gate or drawbridge. It’s an architectural feature designed for defense. This adds another layer to our understanding of the scene: the tower they’re staying in was once used for defense. Interesting, isn’t it?”
Subtly, we infer that Buck is cooking with the smoke from the fried grease. Buck asks Haines to open the door, while Stephen, playing the role of servant, places the shaving bowl back in its spot. Joyce offers us only a fleeting glimpse of Haines—just a tall figure who rises from a hammock upon which he was lounging.
Have You The Key?
Transitioning from the notion of a door, what opens a door? A key. Haines needs a key to open the door, which Buck believes Stephen has. However, the key has been left in the door. Additionally, Buck exclaims ‘Janey Mack’ as he starts to be affected by the smoke from his cooking.
So, who is Janey Mack? In reality, Janey Mack is just an exclamation similar to ‘Goodness gracious’ or ‘Jesus Christ.’”
Once Haines opens the door, fresh, bright air floods in, easing the tense atmosphere into a more relaxed one. Stephen sits down while Buck brings his cooked food and a teapot to the table.
I'm Melting
This next passage may throw some readers for a loop, as the reference is challenging to untangle:
'I’m melting, he said, as the candle remarked when... But hush. Not a word more on that subject.'
What does Buck mean by this? Upon investigation, we find that the reference, though obscure, has a rather risqué historical context. The phrase seems to be a humorous, albeit inappropriate, saying among religious school students of the time. The joke suggests that candles in a nunnery are humorously imagined as being used as dildos, with the wax melting due to bodily heat and friction. If you catch my drift. Since nuns take vows of chastity and aren’t allowed to have sex, the joke implies they might resort to such substitutes. Is this a lens into why this book was banned in the 20's?
Buck is referencing his own sweating over the stove and the fire, but staying true to his blasphemous character, he decides to push the boundaries further. At the same time, he pulls back, intentionally avoiding delving too deeply into that provocative territory.
O' Damn You And Your Paris Fads
Buck continues to invite Stephen and Haines to join him at the table, offering bread, butter, honey, and, of course, tea. When he realizes they don’t have any milk for the tea, he exclaims “O Jay,” a shorthand for “Oh, Jesus.” This somewhat blasphemous outburst fits Buck’s irreverent nature, as if he and Jesus were homies.
Stephen suggests they simply drink the tea black. Buck, thinking Stephen is trying to be a trendy hipster, retorts, “O’ damn you and your Paris fads.” In the 1920s, drinking tea black became fashionable, fueled by a fascination with exotic and foreign cultures. Tearooms and cafés, frequented by the Parisian elite and intellectuals, played a significant role in popularizing this trend. This little exchange offers insight into Buck’s view of Stephen’s personality and mind—perhaps suggesting that Stephen tries too hard to appear intellectual. Or perhaps it reflects the rivalrous relationship between Joyce and Gogarty.
Buck also states that he wants Sandycove milk. Could this be another hint at the location? A Sandycove cow? Doing some investigative research on trusty Google Maps, we find that Sandycove is, in fact, a suburb of Dublin. This doesn’t mean they’re in Sandycove, but it clearly shows they are familiar with the area, and we’re estimating correctly. Soon after, Haines announces that the milk woman is coming up with milk.
Ecstatic, Buck pours out tea, points to the location of the sugar, and slaps his cooked eggs onto the three plates while praying over his meal.
Old Mother Grogan
Haines pours tea and splits up lumps of sugar for the others. Buck, while passing out thick slices of bread, makes an unusual statement:
'When I makes tea I makes tea, as old mother Grogan said. And when I makes water I makes water'
What does this mean? Let’s explore. First, who is Old Mother Grogan? There’s considerable debate about this reference. It is often assumed to be inspired by an old Irish song called “Ned Grogan.” Here are the lyrics:
NED GROGAN.
Ned Grogan, dear joy, was the son of his mother,
And as like her it seems as one pea to another ;
But to iind out his dad he was put to the rout,
As many folks wise have been, joy, no doubt.
To this broth of a boy oft his mother would say,
" When the moon shines, my jewel, be making your
hay;
Always ask my advice, when the business is done,
For two heads, sure, you'll own, is much better than
one."
In Joyce’s works, the concept of “mother” frequently appears. A mother is depicted as nurturing, guiding, patient, loving, selfless, encouraging, and comforting. Interpreting the message of the song, we can see that Mother Grogan symbolizes all mothers, particularly the wise ones—a figure rooted in folklore who offers reliable advice.
So, what is Buck suggesting with this wisdom about making tea and making water? We can interpret it in various ways. On one hand, making tea is straightforward, but making water is more abstract. Some might see this as a playful nod to urination, aligning with Buck’s irreverent nature. Joyce often uses such seemingly trivial references to explore deeper aspects of the human mind. This playful yet enigmatic approach invites readers to ponder and interpret, which is part of what makes Joyce’s work so intriguing.
When you walk down the street, think of how many thoughts rush through your mind—a scent or sight that instantly transports you to another place, another thought. How do you capture that experience of being human in text? Well, my friends, you just read it through the great James Joyce.
Buck continues to bewilder us with his references when he says:
"So I do, Mrs Cahill, says she. Begob, ma'am, says Mrs Cahill, God send you don't make them in the onepot."
Here, Mrs. Cahill is portrayed as another figure of wisdom, offering advice. Haines plays along and agrees with Buck’s comment on making tea. Mrs. Cahill, in a playful manner, advises against mixing the tea and the water (urine) in the same pot—solid advice indeed.
In the end, Joyce’s use of cryptic references and playful language adds layers of meaning that invite endless interpretation. While we might not uncover a definitive answer, the journey of exploring these enigmas is part of the joy of reading Joyce.
The three characters continue to engage in amusing debates and references, exploring the intricacies of their time and ideas. Phew.
In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti - In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
References:
"Barbacan." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/barbacan. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024
Gifford, Don, and Robert J Seidman. Ulysses Annotated. Univ. California P., 1992
“The Joyce Project : Ulysses : Telemachus:. M.Joyceproject.Com, http://m.joyceproject.com/chatpers/telem.html.
Kinsella, Thomas. “W.B. Yeats, the British Empire, James Joyce and Mother Grogan.” Irish University Review, vol. 22, no. 1, 1992, pp. 69–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25484465. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
Weekes, Drury Lane. The Shamrock; A Collection of Irish Songs . Atkinson & CO, 1830, Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.
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