eerie symbolism

I am about half way through the book. I have just finished reading the priest's tyrade about eternal damnation. One thing i have noticed very much thusfar is the murky descriptions of everything. The streets are illit, the air is often pale, yellow fog and the word yellow itself seems to be everywhere. this symbolism has given me a very grim and gloomy perspective on Stephen's conscience and the way he is percieving his world. Has anyone else felt this way up to this point in the book? is this Joyce's intention?

congrats on getting through the priest's tirade and surviving. :rolleyes: I believe it was his intention to give the reader a grim and gloomy perspective.

Yes, hold on to this realization of his character for when you go to tackle Ulysses. I saw that movie "Bloom" a while ago, and Stephen was chipper and jovial! I almost puked! That Hell Fire sermon was produced in emulation of a particularly bilious priest from the Middle Ages. I forget the name; I'll look it up. Yes, it's supposed to give you a sense of the drastic strain and gloom that strict Catholicism, and Dublin atmosphere places on Stephen's consciousness. I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the book! Welcome to the forums, drums! :wave: