Reading Finnegans Wake

Finnegans Wake treasure map

I have said before and reaffirm that I do not recommend Finnegans Wake to everyone; but neither do I not recommend it.  That is to say that I will evangelize for Ulysses but I will only sit in the sidelines and cheer when someone proposes to touch the Wake.  I do this because I recognize that the work of the Wake is not to everyone's taste.  I don't think it is outside of any literate person's ability, but I do think it is outside of most literate persons' scopes.  And so, while I don't recommend it aggressively, I am quietly encouraging anyone who has had a hankering for it to read the article referenced and perhaps a few sentences of the story itself.  You'll find yourself enjoying it before you know it. 

Comments

  1. FredMay 12, 2010 at 11:52 AM

    Now here's a project for a blogger.

    Take one or more words from FW and post it with comments daily. I'm pushing 72 so I won't try it as I doubt that I would get off the first page. It's a job for a younger person or maybe even for several generations.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StevenMay 12, 2010 at 12:01 PM

    Dear Fred,

    And one that should prove infinitely diverting and amusing. Now--that is a way of "amusing myself to death" that I could buy into!

    Steven

    ReplyDelete
  3. FredMay 12, 2010 at 12:17 PM

    The project is yours, if you wish.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnthonyMay 12, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    Steven - I just found that post too and when I tackle the Wake, after Ulysses, that sounds as good an approach as any.

    ReplyDelete
  5. StevenMay 13, 2010 at 8:42 AM

    Dear Fred,

    Well, with my tenacity (witness Wordsworth), you can see that it fits well within my capacity. It's a really great idea.

    Steven

    ReplyDelete
  6. StevenMay 13, 2010 at 8:44 AM

    Dear Anthony,

    I wish you well on the Wake. It certainly is a challenge, well beyond the challenge that Ulysses represents. And I do think that it is one of those books that benefits from a communal reading experience--enthusiasm grows. However, it is rare outside a University community to assemble such a group. So, if ever you'd like a companion on the way, just jog over hear, and you'll always have an attentive ear.

    shalom,

    Steven

    ReplyDelete
  7. FredMay 13, 2010 at 10:27 AM

    Go for it.

    I will certainly be along for the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnthonyMay 15, 2010 at 1:21 AM

    Steven - Thank you for that very kind offer, which I shall certainly require when I take on the challenge.

    ReplyDelete

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