Ulysses - Chapter 8
In the National Library, Stephen engaged in heated debate with Dublin's literary establishment. They discussed Shakespeare, arguing about the playwright's life and the meaning hidden in his works. Stephen presented his theory about Hamlet, claiming Shakespeare had written himself into the play.
"The father is the ghost," Stephen argued passionately. "Shakespeare was both Hamlet and the murdered king. He was cuckolded by his brother, just as the king was murdered by his."
The librarians and scholars listened skeptically. Stephen's theory was unconventional, challenging accepted interpretations. But he defended it vigorously, marshaling evidence from Shakespeare's biography and the plays themselves.
Buck Mulligan burst into the library, disrupting the serious discussion with his usual theatrical flair. He mocked Stephen's theory, making jokes and drawing attention to himself. The others laughed, grateful for the relief from intense intellectual debate.
Stephen felt his anger rising but controlled it. Buck always did this, always undermined him in public. Their friendship, if it could be called that, was built on Buck's dominance and Stephen's resentment.
The discussion continued, ranging over literature, philosophy, and art. These men were Dublin's intellectuals, its cultural elite. Yet Stephen felt disconnected from them, unable to truly belong to their circle. His poverty set him apart, as did his uncompromising artistic vision.
As the afternoon wore on, Stephen grew restless. He had said what he came to say, presented his theory for their consideration. Whether they accepted it or not mattered little. He would continue his work regardless, following his artistic conscience wherever it led.
Leaving the library, Stephen felt both exhilarated and exhausted. The intellectual combat had energized him, but also reminded him of his isolation in Dublin's literary world.