SoulSearching

James Joyce’s work, particularly Ulysses, has deep connections with mythology, as explored in Mythic Worlds, Modern Words: On the Art of James Joyce, edited by Edmund Epstein. The book reflects on how Joseph Campbell’s interpretations of Joyce’s work shaped his understanding of myth and the human psyche. Joyce’s writing often portrays an artist grappling with feelings of being lost in the world, using internal images to create meaning. This duality of inner conflict versus external reality is a recurring theme in his work, especially in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, which illustrates how pain and self-doubt fuel creativity.

Joyce’s writing also draws on Dante’s Inferno, with Ulysses being likened to Dante’s hell, creating a framework for self-discovery through mythic archetypes. For Joyce, as for Campbell and Dante, the “holy spirit” is often represented by a woman, symbolizing the transformative force of creativity and inspiration. However, while the book focuses on male archetypes, it offers powerful insights into human psychology, mythology, and the artistic journey, helping readers better understand their place in society and their personal quest for meaning.