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.