Post-course....and thinking of another?

Six hours of Ulysses is a big ask, but the 25 attendees yesterday seemed to me to be holding up well and to go away very satisfied that they had a more secure handle on the big complicated novel. Lots of great exchanges and debates, and a sense that the enterprise of reading Joyce is more than worth the effort. Some had been reading the novel for 50+ years, but felt energised to keep reading and unfolding what is a deeply layered text with so much to give. Others were complete novices. One of the novice readers, there with a newer reader, generously reported:

That was great yesterday – it expanded our knowledge and it also inspired xxx  to make sure he reads it all.

I can’t believe how hard you work and your boundless enthusiasm. 

It would be great to hear from others who attended and to get your ideas on what worked for you, and what you took away from the course.  That will help shape the next iteration on 4 March.

Speaking personally, I so relish teaching Joyce, and certainly enjoyed excessively the privilege of inducting both new and old readers into the text. So, thanks for being so generous as contributors and discussants, and so eager to learn. And thanks too to our actor-readers, Juliette and Bill. Both demonstrated the subtlety of the text, its sense of fun, and in giving the text breath brought it to the ear with pizzaz and panache.

Bloomsday would very much like to hear from participants about whether an advanced course would be good, and when, and whether the format was a bit too rigorous yesterday. I could post here a proposed curriculum for scrutiny and feedback.

Please be aware too that the repeat of the Beginner's Ulysses course happens on 4 March, 10am-5pm at the Celtic Club. 10 places still available.

Re-Joycing is a blast!