A Study Of The Relationship Between Masculinity,Femininity And Heroism In Ulysses

Ulysses is an Irish national epic.Although it draws on the framework of the classic epic The Odyssey,Ulysses deviates from it in the portrayal of heroic characters.As the modern reincarnation of the Greek hero Odysseus,the protagonist Bloom is an anti-hero with femininity.Joyce delicately combines gender,heroism and national issues in the allegorical form.This thesis intends to explore the relationship between masculinity,femininity and Irish heroism from the perspective of postcolonial theory.The first chapter focuses on the connotation of heroism with masculinity.This kind of heroism is exemplified by the British colonists and Irish nationalists.They advocate the use of force and the violent resolution of national problems.Moreover,British colonists and Catholic nationalists who preach heroism oppress women and exclude heterogeneous cultures in the name of justice.Heroism with masculinity is essentially a product of male chauvinism,hegemony and xenophobia based on the logic of binary oppositions.The second chapter focuses on exploring the connotations of anti-heroism with femininity.Firstly,both Bloom and Stephen as anti-heroes have relatively passive femininity,which is an analogy to the racial oppression they endure.Secondly,Bloom and Stephen advocate peace and fraternity and oppose violent militarism.Finally,this kind of anti-heroism manifests itself in Bloom’s tolerance of heterogeneous cultures and the deconstruction of the logic of binary oppositions in traditional heroism.The third chapter focuses on exploring the ultimate pursuits and values behind Joyce’s deconstruction of heroism and construction of anti-heroism by analyzing the symbolic meaning of Molly.By constructing the trinity of Stephen,Bloom and Molly,Joyce expresses his wonderful vision of the peaceful rejuvenation of Ireland and the pursuit of the humanitarianism that transcends racism,religious bondage and patriarchal tyranny.Besides,Joyce advocates the feminist values of cultural hybridity,which points the way to the future development of Irish national culture.In conclusion,it is of great significance to deeply understand the relationship between gender and heroism.Joyce’s concern for heroism actually shows his care of Irish national issues.Joyce’s construction of anti-heroism with femininity is essentially a critique of binary oppositions centered by patriarchy of British colonists,Irish nationalists and Catholics.It shows that true heroism is not about eternal confrontation,but about dialogue and negotiation.At the same time,it expresses Joyce’s hope for a better future for Ireland.