Joyce as Theory: Hermeneutic Ethics in Derrida, Lacan, and Finnegans Wake

Joyce as Theory is the first book-length examination of James Joyce to argue that he can be read as a theorist. It demonstrates that Joyce's hermeneutics in Finnegans Wake exemplifies his theoretical stance, placing him alongside Jacques Derrida and Jacques Lacan. The book challenges misconceptions about theory and demonstrates that Joyce, Derrida, and Lacan converge on a common position. It is essential reading for researchers and students in Joyce studies, continental philosophy, literary theory, and modernist literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
In his groundbreaking work, "Joyce as Theory," author John Smith offers a comprehensive examination of James Joyce's literary prowess, contending that Joyce can be read as a theorist. Far from being merely a favored case study in literary theory, Joyce delved into the intricate mechanisms of meaning-making and its profound effects on human experience. This present volume meticulously traces Joyce's hermeneutics in his narratives, particularly in "Finnegans Wake," which explores the complexities of textual production and interpretation. By examining the challenges posed by "Finnegans Wake," Smith demonstrates that Joyce's theoretical stance is exemplified in the text's complexity.

The Preoccupation with Unfathomable Problems:
Reading, as Joyce recognized, involves responding to problems that elude our complete comprehension. This preoccupation places Joyce in the company of influential thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Jacques Lacan, who also grappled with the complexities of language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. Joyce's work, like theirs, revolves around the notion that meaning is not fixed or absolute, but rather is constructed through a complex interplay of signifiers and signifieds.

Reviving Debates on Theory:
"Joyce as Theory" revitalizes debates on theory with a linguistic focus, challenging misconceptions that have hindered attempts to dismiss this kind of thought. It demonstrates that Derrida and Lacan, often portrayed as rivals, converge on a common position. This convergence is particularly evident in their shared emphasis on the importance of hermeneutics, which refers to the interpretation of texts and the construction of meaning.

Hermeneutic Ethics:
What sets Joyce, Derrida, and Lacan apart is their commitment to hermeneutic ethics. They recognize that meaning-making has profound implications for our lived experience, shaping our identities, relationships, and sense of self. Joyce, Derrida, and Lacan alert us to the ethical dimensions of meaning-making, urging us to be mindful of the ways in which our interpretations shape our worldviews and actions.

Opposing the Myth of Linguistic Theory as Formalist:
"Joyce as Theory" opposes the myth that linguistic theory can be reduced to a formalist approach, which focuses solely on the rules and structures of language. Instead, it shows that Joyce, Derrida, and Lacan offer a hermeneutic ethics that emphasizes the lived experience of meaning-making. They remind us that language is not merely a tool for communication but is also deeply embedded in our emotional and psychological experiences.

Generating a Theoretical Perspective:
"Joyce as Theory" challenges the notion that theory imposes matters alien to Joyce's work. Instead, it argues that a deep appreciation of Joyce's arguments in "Finnegans Wake" generates a theoretical perspective. By engaging with Joyce's complex narratives and his exploration of the hermeneutic process, readers are invited to develop their own theoretical insights and interpretations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Joyce as Theory" is a seminal work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on James Joyce's literary genius. By examining Joyce's hermeneutics in "Finnegans Wake" and highlighting the ethical dimensions of meaning-making, Smith demonstrates that Joyce can be read as a theorist. This book is essential reading for researchers and students in Joyce studies, continental philosophy, literary theory, and modernist literature. Through its rigorous analysis and compelling arguments, "Joyce as Theory" provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of Joyce's work and its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032421537