This project paper aims to analyze aspects of homosociality in two novels by James Joyce, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and "Ulysses." Despite the fame of these novels and the extensive research done on them, the theoretical relevance of homosociality in the two works has not yet been widely discussed. This is mostly due to the fact that although the theory first became popular in the 1990s, it is still a relatively new perspective. This study analyses various views on social bonds and private lives and their effects on social behaviors to determine the reasons for the lack of homosociality and the ways in which it is regained in two of Joyce's protagonists. Furthermore, this paper will seek to argue that if the characters endeavour logically to solve the problems in their lives and mind, their homosociality will be boosted. For example, according to the plot of the story, if Stephen and Bloom as the main characters in "Ulysses" find their paternity and the root of fatherhood, their relationships and associations with other males in society will be changed accordingly.
On the other hand, if Stephen, as the only hero and protagonist in "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" can find the answers to the questions posed in his own mind regarding religion and his own identity, his personal confusion that alienates him from others in society will be eliminated. In order to achieve these results the theory of homosociality which was coined for the first time by Jean Lipman-Blumen in 1976 and became popular by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, will be applied to the novels under study.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Objectives
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Methodology
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1.8 Significance of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Conclusion
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Homophobia and Homosociality
2.3 Homosociality and Sexuality
2.4 Ulysses and Masculinity
2.5 Ulysses and Masculine Nationalism
2.6 A Portrait of the Artist as a Young man and Gender
2.7 Public Intimacy and Homosociality
2.8 Masculinity and Homosociality
2.9 Triangles and Homosociality
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Stephen in School
3.3 Stephen in Family
3.4 Stephen in University
Ulysses
3.5 Introduction
3.6 Stephen Dedalus
3.7 Leopold Bloom
3.8 Sense of Fatherhood
3.9 Triangle Love: Split-object triangle
3.10 Conclusion
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.2 Conclusion
4.3 Recommendations
Research Objectives & Themes
This study analyzes the absence of homosocial desire in the protagonists Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom within James Joyce's novels "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and "Ulysses," investigating how this lack of homosocial connection contributes to their alienation and exploring ways in which they seek to resolve these social deficits.
- Analysis of homosocial desire and its impact on male-to-male relationships.
- Exploration of alienation and solitude in Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom.
- Investigation of the role of paternity and fatherhood in overcoming social barriers.
- Application of Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s theoretical framework regarding gender and homosociality.
- Evaluation of internal and external factors influencing character development in Modernist literature.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Stephen in School
In his early period of life and at the beginning of the period of social interactions and associations, Stephen Dedalus overtly and sometimes covertly is encountered by his social infrastructures. This happens by commencing his studies in the boarding school of Clongowes. Attending this school is the first time for Stephen to leave home for a long time to study among other male students. Before this school, he did not have any male friends but by entering the school he faces many peers who surprise him to some extent that affects his behavior and interactions with schoolmates and teachers.
He discovers in his mind that he is going to be very aloof and isolated from his peers in the school. He does not know how to socialize with the other students and even his mother knows that he is poor company and advises Stephen not to speak with the rough boys in the school. It is the first time in his life that he enters a same-gender society. This opportunity should have been a good one to show himself and flee him from the limitations of the family and its obscure rules; however, he does not take advantage of this pattern, for he has not been taught to understand these situations.
Summary of Chapters
I. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background of the study, identifies the research problem, objectives, questions, methodology, and provides a definition of key terms used in the research.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing scholarly works on homosociality, masculinity, and gender in Joyce’s novels to establish a theoretical foundation.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Provides a detailed analysis of Stephen Dedalus in "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and both Stephen and Leopold Bloom in "Ulysses" through the lens of homosociality.
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Summarizes findings regarding the protagonists' isolation and suggests future research directions in sociological and literary studies of Joyce.
Keywords
Homosociality, James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, Masculinity, Paternity, Alienation, Solitude, Gender Studies, Modernist Literature, Love Triangle, Social Bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The research examines the homosocial desire, or lack thereof, in the protagonists Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom within James Joyce's major novels.
Which specific theme links the two protagonists?
The study highlights how both characters experience alienation and struggle with their identities, often searching for father-son connections to bridge their social isolation.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to determine why these characters suffer from a lack of homosociality and how they might potentially improve their social relationships.
Which theoretical method is utilized?
The study employs the homosociality theory developed by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick to analyze male-male relationships and social bonds.
What is the main subject matter covered in the results section?
It covers Stephen's experiences in school, family, and university, and analyzes Bloom's situation, focusing on his masculinity, sense of fatherhood, and his experience with love triangles.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Keywords include homosociality, masculinity, paternity, alienation, and Modernist literature, among others.
How does Stephen's upbringing affect his social behavior?
Stephen's background in a household dominated by female figures and a lack of same-age male peers leaves him ill-equipped for homosocial interactions, leading to deep feelings of isolation.
How does the "Triangle Love" concept apply to Leopold Bloom?
It examines Bloom's position in a split-object love triangle involving his wife, Molly, and her manager, Blazes Boylan, which impacts his masculinity and social standing.
- Quote paper
- Hamid Farahmandian (Author), 2013, Homosocial bonds in Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and "Ulysses", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/275149
