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
Monday, 31 July 2023
Cain and Abel
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