The experience of the Salon resists easy definition–but to help those new to the studies, here are some words from recent Salons:
Thank god! This chapter really did not give me a steady place to hold on, but rereading (again, again, again!) on the train on the way back tonight, I can get the vibe coming through. Strange how a reading group unlocks that extra energies (something which the scientific mind cannot explain!)
I can now see the battle with the mother too, which shouldn’t be a surprise, as it is Stephen after all. (The battle with the father was more obvious, to me. ) It’s all there right at the beginning: A hesitating soul taking arms against a sea of troubles, torn by conflicting doubts, as one sees in real life.
Thank you again for this journey, it has made my year. –Ulysses participant, 2013
Thanks for being such a calming but persevering Captain Rehab–ever ready to straighten somewhat tossed limbs of thought and help us stand firm but open in our reflections. Moby Dick participant, Paris 2013
thanks infinitely for the salon. Not only was it fun, interesting, revealing, enlightening etc, but you have such a gift for
leading the group gracefully & intelligently. It’s not an easy or obvious thing to be able to do, & I for one really appreciated it.
A great evening. Moby Dick participant, Paris 2013
It was a most enjoyable session and thank you for making us love such intimidating classics as Moby Dick, which we look at on our bookshelves, feigning to have read them … and for making those sessions so rich, so lively, so entertaining in spite of the themes.
Thank you, B. for welcoming the whole crew of whalers with a wonderful dinner in your beautiful place.
Thank you, companions in whaling for your bright and enriching insights.
Looking to the next session, whatever may be the topic. Moby Dick participant, Paris 2013
This is why I read too or engage with the “objects” people make… I believe it is a duty and a privilege to witness and share in the lives of others, the people one loves or hates we are all on the same path, life itself is the great equaliser. There is no question that each text changes as one lives life, meaning is not fixed.
I ask this question all the time yet, with Ulysses I feel/see that there is a higher power which must have moved Joyce along for all the reasons you state below… xenophobia, hatred, alienation, all traits humans find so easy to conceive…. being “good” or “self aware” is the challenge. Clearly Joyce’s compulsion to bring the ancients to us, to see if we will learn from history and allow the “strangers” to dwell in our hearts with the hope that some of us will have the courage to change. –Ulysses participant, 2013
