TWENTY:
11. SIRENS
OCTOBER 3
This may only make sense if folks are aware I didn't send my comments on 11 in a timely fashion. So here I am after finishing episode 12 going back to the episode I actually struggled with the most to refresh my mind and organize my thoughts.
I started by looking in Wikipedia at William Etty's painting of the Sirens and Ulysses. Think it captures some of what may have led to JJ "wanderings"!
It was so all over the place and disjointed that I found it difficult to read.
Afraid the musicality and its significance is lost on me although the music helped envision a lively bar scene...and add another dimension to Stephen. Think I had Bloom on my mind as 4 o'clock was fast approaching. At first he went about his business arranging a meeting and engaging in philosophical discussions, all the while being a bit of a voyeur and writing to his pen pal mistress. When he happened to see Boylan, his thoughts go back to Molly.
It was a bit surprising that this time he chose to follow Boylan rather than hide... leading to an encounter?
OCTOBER 4
Thank you, Mom, for circling back to episode 11. I’m here to keep you on track—and keep you honest ;) You’re reading at a great clip, though—especially in comparison to these folks who have taken decades to read another of Joyce’s works, Finnegan’s Wake.
Tonight it’s my turn to be a bad student. Evan and I are on the subway heading into the city again—this time to see a band that he likes. So instead of sitting at home with my Gabler edition and my pencil and my sticky note tape and my big book of annotations, I’m out late on a school(work) night pursuing some Sirens!
This is the first time I’ve done the subway after dark, and we just passed a station with young folks playing loud music and dancing on the platform. Might be seeing a different side of the city tonight.
I’ll visit the Cyclops tomorrow!
K.
OCTOBER 4
Go have fun! Just started trying to read episode 14... said to be the most difficult! After just a few lines I may have to agree! Going to save it for daylight!
OCTOBER 4
Turns out we’ve come out to church!
The Chapel SFOCTOBER 4
Oh yea! Been a while....
OCTOBER 4
Been a year and a half, pretty much. Evan and I had anniversary drinks in a church-turned-bar in New Orleans.
I guess maybe I’d go to church more often if they weren’t so stingy with the wine?
Vessel NOLANote from 'the editor'
OCTOBER 5
Mom did not reply.