Meet the Four Storytellers

Do you know how the evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - narrate the life of Jesus in the New Testament? Well, Joyce has crafted his own quartet of storytellers in Finnegans Wake: Matt Gregory, Marcus Lyons, Luke Tarpey, and Johnny MacDougall, collectively known as Mamalujo. These four elderly men recount the history of Ireland and can be likened to the Four Masters who penned the Annals, the early history of Ireland.

When I embarked on illustrating The Wake for the first series, I delved into extensive research of medieval manuscripts to find depictions of the "big four." Amongst all my findings, the most marvelous, in my opinion, was to be discovered in the Book of Kells. Joyce owned a copy of Edward Sullivan's 1914 publication on the Book of Kells, which featured several color reproductions accompanied by insightful commentary. Joyce once expressed his fondness for the Book, carrying it with him during his travels to Rome, Zurich, and Trieste, immersing himself in its craftsmanship for hours. To him, it epitomized the quintessential Irish essence, and he drew parallels between the intricate illuminations and the essence of a chapter in Ulysses. In fact, he found much of his own work comparable to the artistry of these illuminations.

Cain and Abel

In Finnegans Wake, the HCE and ALP's sons Shem and Shaun can be seen as parallels to the biblical figures of Cain and Abel. As with Cain and Abel, the relationship between Shem and Shaun is marked by a profound sibling rivalry, jealousy, and brotherly strife. In the novel's intricate web of language and allusions, Shaun the cunning sibling, represents the envious Cain figure who seeks recognition and dominance over his brother. Meanwhile, Shem embodies the innocent and favoured Abel. You may remember the Bible story at the beginning of the book of Genesis where Eve gave birth to two sons. Cain was a tillage farmer while his brother Abel herded sheep. Both sacrificed the fruits of their labour to God, but Abel's sacrifice was favoured more. Cain, in a fit of jealousy, killed his brother and God sent him away to live in the land of Nod. In Chapter 1 of Finnegans Wake, we have already come across two references to the biblical figures, once on Page 28 with the word "kanekannan" and on page 29 with "changing cane sugar into sethulose starch". For the last reference, we need to know when Cain had been sent away from his family home, Adam and Eve had another son and called him Seth. We will come across more references as we go on and even more parallels with Biblical characters. #JamesJoyce #FinnegansWake #Bible #Genesis #cainandabel

Napoleon and The Duke of Wellington

The twin sons of HCE and ALP, Shem, and Shaun can be compared to other feuding men in history. Early on in Finnegans Wake we meet another pair of rivals Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. They were prominent military figures during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon, born in Corsica in 1769, rose to power as Emperor of the French through his military prowess during the French Revolution. In contrast, Wellington, born in Ireland in 1769, came from a noble British family and received a privileged upbringing.

Their rivalry began during the Peninsular War when Wellington, a skilled strategist, led British forces against Napoleon's French army occupying Spain and Portugal. The climax of their rivalry came at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Wellington's victory there, with the aid of Prussian forces, ended Napoleon's rule and ambitions.

Napoleon was exiled, and Wellington returned to England as a national hero, later becoming Prime Minister. Their opposing backgrounds and military approaches personified the clash between revolutionary France and the coalition-based conservatism of Britain and its allies. Their legacies continue to influence European history and military strategies.

The Tale of Two Tragedies in Finnegans Wake

The tales of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, and King Arthur, as well as Tristan and Isolde, share striking similarities in their themes and plot elements. Both stories are renowned examples of medieval romances set in the realm of King Arthur's court, featuring characters who grapple with forbidden love and the tragic consequences that follow.

Forbidden Love: At the heart of both tales lies the theme of forbidden love. In the story of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, and King Arthur, the love between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot is forbidden due to their respective commitments to King Arthur. Similarly, in the tale of Tristan and Isolde, their love is forbidden as Isolde is promised to King Mark, Tristan's uncle and liege. The allure of the forbidden heightens the intensity of their passion, leading to a compelling narrative of star-crossed lovers.

Knights and Chivalry: Both narratives take place in the illustrious court of King Arthur, where knights and chivalry are revered. Lancelot and Tristan are celebrated knights, admired for their valor and skill in combat. They embody the ideals of chivalry, though their love for Guinevere and Isolde places them in moral quandaries as they must choose between loyalty to their king and their profound affection for these women.

Betrayal and Consequences: The theme of betrayal weaves its way into both stories. In Queen Guinevere's case, her love affair with Lancelot constitutes a betrayal of King Arthur's trust and undermines the harmony of the kingdom. Likewise, Tristan and Isolde's love threatens to betray King Mark's trust and disrupts the peace of his realm. The consequences of these betrayals are severe, leading to conflicts and heartache for all involved.

Love Potions: A notable parallel between the tales is the role of love potions. In Tristan and Isolde, they accidentally consume a love potion that binds them together irresistibly. Similarly, in some versions of the Arthurian legend, a love potion is involved in the romance of Guinevere and Lancelot. These potions act as catalysts, intensifying the characters' emotions and deepening the forbidden love they share.

Tragic Endings: Both stories culminate in tragic endings, driven by the unavoidable consequences of forbidden love. The pursuit of their passions ultimately brings sorrow and despair to the characters involved. Queen Guinevere and Lancelot's romance is exposed, leading to discord and the downfall of Camelot. Likewise, Tristan and Isolde's love leads to a series of unfortunate events, resulting in their untimely demise.

Themes of Love and Sacrifice: Love and sacrifice are central themes in both tales. The characters' love for each other leads them to make difficult choices and endure immense suffering for the sake of their beloveds. Guinevere and Lancelot's love requires them to confront their emotions and endure the pain of separation. Tristan and Isolde's love, on the other hand, demands sacrifices that lead to tragic consequences.

Overall, the stories of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, King Arthur, Tristan, and Isolde are timeless and captivating tales that delve into the complexities of human emotions and the conflicts that arise from forbidden love. The characters' struggles and the universality of their themes continue to resonate with audiences across generations, making them enduring classics of medieval romance literature.

The story of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, and King Arthur

 The story of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, and King Arthur is a story of love, betrayal, and chivalry. It shares some similarities with the story of Tristan and Isolde, another legendary romance involving forbidden love and the tragic consequences that follow. King Arthur, of Camelot, was married to the beautiful Queen Guinevere. Sir Lancelot, a knight of unparalleled skill and bravery, was a trusted member of the Knights of the Round Table, an elite group of knights sworn to protect the realm and uphold the principles of chivalry. As Lancelot pledged his loyalty to King Arthur, he found himself drawn to Queen Guinevere's grace and kindness. Though he tried to suppress his feelings, their mutual admiration soon blossomed into a forbidden love. Their love remained secret, known only to a few loyal confidants, as they both understood the gravity of betraying Arthur's trust. Despite their attempts to resist their emotions, fate seemed determined to test their resolve. The enchanting love between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot became an inescapable bond, pulling them closer to each other even as they tried to keep their distance.

The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne

 

The Story of Tristan and Isolde is said by some scholars to have been influenced by the tale of Diarmuid and Gráinne, an ancient Irish legend from the Fenian Cycle, So it is not surprising that Joyce makes over two dozen references to this version of the story. This particular tale revolves around the tragic love affair between Diarmuid, one of Finn MacCool's most loyal and skilled warriors, and Gráinne, a beautiful princess. The story begins at the wedding of Gráinne and Fionn, where Gráinne is betrothed to the much older and famed warrior leader due to an ancient custom called "geis." However, at the wedding feast, Gráinne falls deeply in love with Diarmuid, who is a handsome and gallant warrior. Overwhelmed by her feelings for Diarmuid, she devises a plan to escape her forced marriage to Fionn. One night, Gráinne puts a sleeping spell on the entire party and asks Diarmuid to run away with her. Despite his initial reluctance, Diarmuid cannot resist Gráinne's charms and agrees to elope. Knowing that Fionn would pursue them relentlessly, the couple embarks on a perilous journey through the wild Irish countryside, evading various dangers and facing numerous adventures. Throughout their journey, Diarmuid and Gráinne encounter supernatural beings, hostile clans, and treacherous landscapes. Yet, they manage to overcome each obstacle through Diarmuid's prowess and bravery. Gradually, Diarmuid's love for Gráinne deepens, and they become inseparable. Despite their love and devotion, their fate is inevitably tied to Fionn, who remains infuriated and vengeful over their elopement. Eventually, Fionn catches up with the couple, and in a tragic showdown, Diarmuid is mortally wounded. Gráinne pleads with Fionn to use his healing power to save Diarmuid, but he initially refuses due to his anger and jealousy. Only after much persuasion and witnessing Gráinne's heartbreak does Fionn reluctantly agree to help. However, his healing comes with a condition – Diarmuid must drink water from Fionn's hands, a task that proves impossible due to an old grudge between them. Despite Fionn's attempts to gather water, it slips through his fingers, and Diarmuid tragically dies in Gráinne's arms. The story ends with Gráinne's sorrowful return to Fionn, and the legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne lives on as a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and the inexorable power of destiny in Irish mythology. #JamesJoyce #FinnegansWake #diarmuidandgrainne 

The Tragic love of Tristan and Isolde

 In Finnegans Wake, the mention of "Sir Tristram, violer d'amores, fr'over the short sea" on the fourth line of page 3 sets the stage for a love story that recurs throughout the book with various characters. This tale of love and tragedy, known as Tristan and Isolde, has captivated hearts for centuries, originating in the 12th century and told in other versions. At its core, it narrates the poignant love between Sir Tristan, a valiant knight hailing from Cornwall, and Princess Iseult, an enchanting beauty from Ireland. Their fateful journey begins when Tristan is entrusted with the task of escorting Iseult to marry his uncle, King Mark. Unbeknownst to them, destiny weaves a web of forbidden love as they accidentally consume a potent love potion during their travels, forever altering the course of their lives.

The story of Tristan and Isolde transcends time and cultural barriers, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of classic romantic tales. With its enthralling blend of love, passion, and heartache, this epic narrative continues to resonate with audiences, inviting them to immerse themselves in the enduring allure of tragic love.

 

The First Parents

 In Finnegans Wake, the characters HCE (Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker) and ALP (Anna Livia Plurabelle) can be likened to Adam and Eve from the Bible. HCE, as the everyman figure, represents the heart of the human experience, representing the fallen nature of humanity with its flaws, struggles, and desires. Like Adam, HCE struggles with the burden of sin. On the other hand, ALP can be associated with Eve, the temptress, but also the nurturer and life-giver, who represents redemption and renewal. Like Adam and Eve, they have two quarreling sons, Shem and Shaun. Shem is the more honorable of the two, while Shaun is the trixter. Later on, we will see parallels between these boys and Jacob and Esau, the grandsons of Abraham

Meet Anna Livia Plurabel

 

Let's take a little look at the character of Anna Livia Plurabel, or ALP. She embodies the river Liffey, the lifeline of Dublin, while her husband HCE symbolises the land. She is the mother of three children, the twin boys, Shem and Shaun, and one girl Issy. Throughout the novel, ALP takes on various personas, weaving a mosaic of feminine archetypes from different mythologies. She embodies the allure of the temptress Eve and the primal strength of the Greek Hathor. If HCE is everyman, she is everywoman. She stands steadfastly by her husband HCE, supporting him through all his difficulties. Her transformations throughout the story symbolise the timeless aspects of womanhood and myth, adding depth and complexity to her character.

Meet HCE

 

Am I Awake?

If you have followed along with my page-by-page illustrations of Finnegans Wake by reading it yourself, you might by now wonder if there's any sense to be found in it at all. Because just as you are beginning to grasp something of its meaning, you discover that it might mean something entirely different. But that's okay! Finnegans Wake is not like any other book. You don't have to read it from the beginning (it doesn't even start there) and you will certainly never find its ending. Let me suggest a way to approach it. Have you ever had a long dream, where situations and people changed and evolved? For example, you are driving in a car with your friend, who suddenly becomes a donkey and the car a boat. Well, hold that thought. Now imagine you are having that dream, but you are asleep on a train and people are chatting all around you. Every now and then you wake a little and hear parts of sentences and then drift off again. That is what this book is like for me. But it's not a madcap series of events and crazy characters. It is far cleverer than that. It is full of layers of meanings, smart-arsed puns, irreverent commentary, and so much history. The thing about Finnegans Wake is that no one person holds the key to its meaning. Everyone can get something from it or has something to add to its meaning. You will find references to advertisements, newspaper articles, historical events, shows at the Gaiety Theatre, old Irish songs, mythology, and legends..., The list is endless. I hope you continue to accompany me on this page-by-page exploration of this great book. I can't promise you a concise summary of its chapters or an in-depth analysis of its themes, but I can promise you lots of Fun at Finnegans Wake. And hopefully, you can add to the conversation with your own observations and stories that will be triggered along the way.

Carol

Finnegans Wake : An Enigmatic Odyssey Through the Dreamscapes of Language and Consciousness

Published in 1939, James Joyce's Finnegans Wake stands as one of the most perplexing and enigmatic works in the annals of modern literature. A daring departure from traditional narrative conventions, this literary masterpiece challenges readers with its labyrinthine complexity, intricate wordplay, and dreamlike structure. Embarking on a journey that transcends the boundaries of language and consciousness, Joyce invites us into a realm where the waking and dreaming worlds converge, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

 

Set in the mythical city of Dublin and centered around the eponymous character, H.C.E (Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker), Finnegans Wake weaves a web of interrelated tales, myths, and historical references, often drawing from a myriad of languages and cultures. With linguistic acrobatics and puns, Joyce explores the vast tapestry of human experience and delves into the collective unconscious, where archetypes and symbols intermingle to create a complex and ever-evolving narrative.

 

Unfolding like a stream of consciousness, the novel takes on an almost musical quality, as the prose ebbs and flows, echoing the rhythms of thought and the cyclical nature of existence. It mirrors the ceaseless cycle of life and death, drawing inspiration from the mythical figure of Finnegan, who, like the mythical phoenix, is destined to rise again and again.

 

Finnegans Wake challenges conventional reading practices, requiring readers to abandon their preconceived notions of narrative structure and surrender to the text's poetic, elusive, and allusive nature. Encountering multilingual puns, portmanteaus, and wordplay on nearly every page, readers embark on a voyage that demands active participation and a willingness to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty.

 

Joyce himself once quipped, "I've put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that's the only way of insuring one's immortality." Indeed, the novel's enigmatic allure continues to captivate and confound scholars, linguists, and literary enthusiasts alike ensuring its enduring status as a remarkable and unparalleled work of literary innovation.

 

As we delve into the enigmatic depths of Finnegans Wake, we are invited to witness the kaleidoscopic unfolding of human consciousness and the enigmatic dance of language, reminding us that the boundaries of literature are as vast and boundless as the depths of our imagination. Step forth, intrepid reader, and embrace the riddles and reveries of James Joyce's literary opus as we embark on a journey of both mystifying challenge and unparalleled revelation.