Monday, September 16, 2013

ABC Wednesday

And the letter this week is J

for James Joyce 1882-1941

 
 

Irish poet and novelist, born in Dublin but lived most of his adult life in Europe, - Paris, Trieste, Zurich.

Nevertheless at the back of all his novels is Dublin.

The Odyssey traces the back streets of that city, and in Finnegan's Wake and The Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man Joyce is writing from afar about the city he called home.

He said, "For myself, I always will write about Dublin because if I can get to the heart of Dublin then I can get to the heart of all the cities in the world.

In the particular is contained the universal"

Joyce was famous for his various literary styles, the stream of consciousness being amongst his most noted.



Besides his novels James wrote three books of poetry
 
 
 
The twilight turns from amethyst
To deep and deeper blue,
The lamp fills with a pale green glow
The trees of the avenue.
 
The old piano plays an air,
Sedate and slow and gay;
She bends upon the yellow keys,
Her head inclines this way.
 
Shy thought and grave wide eyes and hands
That wander as they list,
The twilight turns to darker blue
With lights of amethyst.
James Joyce

For  some jolly, jaunty J's journey over to
ABC Wednesday, here, with thanks to Denise, Roger and their joyful help!

14 comments:

Reader Wil said...

That's a great choice for J, Hildred. The poem is so beautiful and touches me more than most modern poetry. I must read a book by James Joyce, strangely enough I've never read his books.
Have a great day!
Wil, ABCW Team

photowannabe said...

I really like how you give us a taste of various people of note and their lives and accomplishments. Its always interesting.

LindyLouMac said...

Calling by from ABC Wednesday,as an avid reader and reviewer, it was great to see Joyce chosen for your your J post.

Roger Owen Green said...

I'm loving the choice. I think there is a universality to the specifics of the story.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Leslie: said...

Lots of students are scared to read Joyce because they hear his books are difficult to understand. But I find his books fascinating.

Leslie
abcw team

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I have always loved his book.

PhenoMenon, ABCW

Hazel said...

What a lovely poem! The photo fits perfectly too. I didn't know James Joyce was Irish. It's nice to know that bit of info. Thanks.

Hazel

uberrhund said...

What a fine choice for "J" !
I read Finnegan's Wake in High School and thought myself very wise and avant-garde indeed but I think I should read it again as an adult who has seen some years, I may get a different view of the entire thing.

uberrhund said...

What a fine choice for "J" !
I read Finnegan's Wake in High School and thought myself very wise and avant-garde indeed but I think I should read it again as an adult who has seen some years, I may get a different view of the entire thing.

Martha said...

I enjoyed this post. The poem reminds me of my dad who often sat in his rocking chair at the end of the room with an Ideal Magazine full of poetry on his lap.

Carver said...

James Joyce is a great idea for J day.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I had no idea that James Joyce wrote poetry -- and very understandable poetry at that. I am on a personal quest to try to read all the many "classic" books I've heard about and know about but have actually never ever read. (I had a spotty education.) But I haven't yet had the courage to tackle James Joyce. (Well, now I have read one of his poems.)

I am enjoying your new take on the alphabet challenge. Thought you'd never top the flowers!

The Weaver of Grass said...

I love that poem Hildred, and it is certainly a jolly sight easier to read tham Ulysees.