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There is no denying that this is one of the most difficult reads to get through. Tips that helped me get through it: 1) Take it in one chapter at a time
2) For some of the more difficult chapters I would read along with the free audio online (I found that helpful as he switches who the speaker is mid sentence sometimes and it can be helpful to know whose voice is speaking which the audio helps with).
3) Before and after each chapter I would watch a YouTube video discussion of the main themes (it not only follows the plot of the Odyssey but has textural elements that are conveyed through the mention of colour or sensations or the very sound of the words can evoke certain auditory sensations such as the crashing of waves in one chapter).
4) Just enjoy it. It's easy to get pulled into academic dissections of every hidden meaning but I think that that can take away from the enjoyment of the book.
5) Commit to it and accept that it may take a long time and likely some research to fully grasp (fully is an overstatement as the book still holds secrets even scholars haven't unlocked yet and this was likely done intentionally by Joyce... He's just that kind of guy).
6) Use the schema that the author created to facilitate reading https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_schema_for_Ulysses
That about sums it up. Don't give up. It is a masterfully crafted piece of literature that has so much for you to unravel and discover. You'll be amazed at what can be achieved with the written word.
2) For some of the more difficult chapters I would read along with the free audio online (I found that helpful as he switches who the speaker is mid sentence sometimes and it can be helpful to know whose voice is speaking which the audio helps with).
3) Before and after each chapter I would watch a YouTube video discussion of the main themes (it not only follows the plot of the Odyssey but has textural elements that are conveyed through the mention of colour or sensations or the very sound of the words can evoke certain auditory sensations such as the crashing of waves in one chapter).
4) Just enjoy it. It's easy to get pulled into academic dissections of every hidden meaning but I think that that can take away from the enjoyment of the book.
5) Commit to it and accept that it may take a long time and likely some research to fully grasp (fully is an overstatement as the book still holds secrets even scholars haven't unlocked yet and this was likely done intentionally by Joyce... He's just that kind of guy).
6) Use the schema that the author created to facilitate reading https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_schema_for_Ulysses
That about sums it up. Don't give up. It is a masterfully crafted piece of literature that has so much for you to unravel and discover. You'll be amazed at what can be achieved with the written word.