Ulysses: Notes on "Proteus"

GENERAL THEME: struggle with reality, struggle to see truth
     (existential, poetic, personal). The operation of Stephen's
     mind on the subjects of poetry, philosophy,
     escape/confinement gives rise to the style.

HOMERIC PARALLEL: Telemachus wrestles with Proteus, a shape-
     changing personification of the sea. For Joyce, Proteus is a
     representation of fluid, Bergsonian reality; radical
     temporalism as in stream-of-consciousness writing. By
     clinging to him, he forces Proteus (who changes into many
     frightening shapes) to reveal news of the whereabouts of his
     father. (How does this figure in "Proteus"? )

     No clear information, no clear foreshadowing of Bloom,
     except maybe the urine link (!). Bloom is a representative
     of the physical, practical, scientific temperament, as
     opposed to Stephen, the artist, philosopher, alienated
     intellectual. Bloom is also a family Man who lacks a son.

     Bloom pointers: 32, 33, 41.

Examples of the narrative style (and the operation of Stephen's
mind): 

     Stephen as phenomenologist: 31
     The imaginary visit: 32-33
     Self-mockery and paralysis: 34, 35, 37
     Stephen's poem: 40