Beating the Bounds: Excess and Restraint in Joyce's Later Works

Beating the Bounds explores the role of boundaries and limits in James Joyce's later works, focusing on Finnegans Wake, Ulysses, and other texts. It argues that Joyce's exploration of artificial impositions of power and natural boundaries is balanced by his affirmation and undermining of philosophical, geometric, and aesthetic limits. The book demonstrates that Joyce's writing urges order while simultaneously resisting chaos, making it relevant to many different fields of thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: University Press of Florida

Beating the Bounds delves into the intricate realm of boundaries and limits in James Joyce's later works, with a particular focus on Finnegans Wake, Ulysses, and other notable texts. Building upon the profound insights of philosophers Friedrich Nietzsche, Giordano Bruno, and scholar Fritz Senn, Roy Benjamin offers a comprehensive exploration and reconciliation of Joyce's contradictory tendencies to establish and transgress boundaries.

Benjamin begins his analysis by contrasting Joyce's profound exploration of the artificial impositions of ritual and political power with his keen attention to the natural boundaries of rivers and mountains. This sets the stage for a deeper examination of the boundaries that shape human experiences in various spheres.

The next section delves into the intricate tapestry of sexual, spiritual, and interpersonal boundaries in Finnegans Wake. Benjamin explores how Joyce skillfully weaves these boundaries, both affirming and undermining their limits. He sheds light on how Joyce challenges traditional notions of morality, spirituality, and interpersonal relationships, creating a rich and complex tapestry of human experiences.

In the subsequent section, Benjamin delves into the fascinating interplay between Joyce's affirmation and subversion of the boundaries of philosophy, geometry, and aesthetics. He demonstrates how Joyce's writing transcends conventional boundaries, pushing the limits of human understanding and perception. Benjamin's close readings bring forth a wealth of subjects into conversation, showcasing the profound relevance of Finnegans Wake to a wide range of intellectual disciplines.

The final section of the book explores the boundaries imposed by cosmogonic myths, the collision between the bounded medieval world and the boundless world of modern science, and the inherent human desire to transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. Benjamin offers a rich and nuanced analysis of these themes, demonstrating how Joyce's writing encapsulates the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.

Throughout Beating the Bounds, Benjamin employs meticulous close readings that bring forth the rich tapestry of themes and ideas present in Joyce's writing. His analysis is enriched by a wealth of scholarly references and insights, making it accessible to both scholars and enthusiasts of Joyce's work. This volume serves as a valuable contribution to the field of Joyce studies, offering a fresh perspective on the role of boundaries and limits in Joyce's oeuvre.

In conclusion, Beating the Bounds is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of boundaries and limits in James Joyce's later works. Through Benjamin's meticulous analysis and thoughtful reconciliation of Joyce's contradictory tendencies, the book offers a profound understanding of the human experience and the complexities of the modern world. This volume is a must-read for anyone interested in Joyce's writing, as well as those seeking to explore the broader themes of boundaries and limits in literature and philosophy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813069616