I. Theory

How do you think why isn’t it possible to define Modernism? Is it possible to name features of modernistic writings? If yes, enumerate them. Illustrate these features with examples from the books you have read (English, American and European literature).

There are different literary flows united under the term “modernism”: existentialism, impressionism, futurism etc. Provide short definitions of each and examples (try to remember those books you’ve read). Do not just copy long and obscure definitions from dictionaries, try to understand what is important for each particular flow (p.e. surrealism – books about dreams).

What is “stream of consciousness”? When did this term appear?

Read an article from modern dictionary about “stream of consciousness” (Application 4)

How do you think, why did this phenomena become so popular in English literature?

Who is the founder of this “school”? Name the representatives (in English and world literature)

Find some examples of “stream of consciousness” in Russian literature.

What is interior monologue? How can you distinguish interior monologue and stream of consciousness? Give examples of both and try to prove that it is interior monologue or stream of consciousness.

II. “Ulysses”

Why is Ulysses known as the most influential novel of the 20th century? What is so revolutionary about it?

Can you discern any specific "message" or philosophy from Ulysses? If not, do you think there is some lesson to be learned from the numerous juxtapositions and conflicting philosophies presented in the novel?

Does Ulysses succeed in its goal of elevating the common man or does it come across as literary pandering to lower class people?

Are there any benefits to be gained from the difficulty of Ulysses? How would it be a different book if it were easier?

How does Ulysses re-work the Odyssey? Thematically, how is it similar to the earlier epic, and how does it challenge and re-evaluate early ideas of Homer's?

What is the affect and seeming purpose of the stylistic play in the novel? Is it simply maddening or enthralling or can you discern some reason why Joyce moves through so many different styles?

Why is Stephen such an impossible character? What forces make him feel so isolated from the people around him?

With a particular focus on Molly Bloom's adultery, what is the relationship between love and sex in the novel?

What is the purpose of all the literary references and allusions in the novel?

Why is the book so drenched in the particular details of Dublin life? Do these details date it and make it inaccessible to later readers?

Molly Bloom’s stream of consciousness from “Ulysses”.

Analyze lexical devices.

What is the role of colours, sounds, taste symbols?

What is the role of syntax?

Read the last extract in English and in Russian. How does perception differ?

How do you think why does writer choose such a form for expression of his heroine’s thoughts? Would it be possible to show the same emotions without using “stream of consciousness” technique? If yes, then how?

O that awful deepdown torrent O and the sea the sea crimson sometimes like fire and the glorious sunsets and the figtrees in the Alameda gardens yes and all the queer little streets and pink and blue and yellow houses and the rosegardens and the jessamine and geraniums and cactuses and Gibraltar as a girl where I was a Flower of the mountain yes when I put the rose in my hair like the Andalusian girls used or shall I wear a red yes and how he kissed me under the Moorish wall and I thought well as well him as another and then I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down Jo me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.