The Irish writer James Joyce's "Ulysses" is regarded as the best English novel of the 20th century. In the capital of Ireland, Dublin, there are many relics and stories of Joyce. Friends who immigrate to Ireland and settle in Dublin might take the opportunity to explore these in detail together.
On Earl Street North in downtown Dublin stands a statue of Joyce, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a cane, gazing somewhat cynically into the distance. Locals affectionately refer to this statue as the "Cane-Wielding Rogue." This is not a form of mockery but rather an alternative expression of the respect and admiration the people have for Joyce, as he was known for his subtle yet often ironic and satirical psychological portrayals and character analyses of the figures in his works. The loss of the Western spirit and the crisis of values are the spiritual core of "Ulysses." June 16 is Bloomsday, the day on which the protagonist Leopold Bloom wanders the streets of Dublin. Every year on June 16, Joyce fans from nearly a hundred countries gather to hold various celebrations. Bloomsday is perhaps one of the few international festivals dedicated to commemorating an artistic work.
"He walked solemnly forward and ascended the round gun platform. He looked around and solemnly blessed this tower and the surrounding fields as well as the gradually waking mountains three times." This refers to a coastal solitary tower mentioned in the opening chapter of "Ulysses," located in Sandycove, south of Dublin, which was formerly known as Martello Tower. It has been renamed Joyce Tower and is designated as the Joyce Museum. Standing on the coast, one can see a fortress-like circular building robustly standing on the gradually rising hillside from afar. Near the entrance, the words "James Joyce Museum" are prominently displayed. This is not a castle but one of the twelve coastal military installations constructed by the Irish in the early 19th century to defend against Napoleon's invasion, and later renamed in honor of Joyce, who spent six nights here.
The lowest level of the Joyce Museum displays Joyce's manuscripts, photographs, correspondence, and original editions of works such as "Ulysses." A very narrow spiral staircase leads up to the second floor, which simulates the living environment of Joyce during his time, featuring a writing desk, an open book at the middle of reading, and precious items such as the travel trunk used by the author. Finally, by struggling through an even narrower natural stone staircase, which barely accommodates one person, visitors reach the top floor, revealing a panoramic view: one side with vast ocean waters, the other with lush land and quiet residential areas, offering an inspiring sight. What must Joyce have felt when he stood here surveying the surroundings?
This tower, established in 1804, was used for military purposes until it welcomed a defenseless man of letters a century later. In the history of literary development, the impact and shock brought by Joyce's writings are no less significant than Napoleon's cannons. It is Joyce who has transformed this obscure solitary tower into a renowned monument, bestowing it with new life and value, allowing it to shine brilliantly in the garden of world literature. It is also because of literature that this solitary tower no longer has to bear the burden of a duty it cannot fulfill, but instead becomes an increasingly bright beacon illuminating humanity's literary journey.At 35 North Great George's Street in Dublin, a light red three-story old building is one of Joyce's former residences in Dublin, which has now been converted into the Joyce Centre to commemorate his life and works. On the first floor of the Joyce Centre, there is a detailed account of the author's life and creation timeline. The second floor showcases Joyce's works as well as books related to his critique. The third floor contains his writing and living area, with a small and messy bedroom, featuring a bed that is in disrepair with several manuscripts densely filled with Joyce's notes left open as he wrote. The third floor also features a documentary about the author's life. Next to the television, diagrams of character relationships from the book are posted to assist readers in navigating this challenging and enigmatic work.