Metaphoricity in “Eumaeus” and “Ithaca”

Abstract

Perhaps if we apply the recent terminology of story (the chronological sequence of actions or events, independent of artistic form) and discourse (the formally organized discursive presentation or narration of events), we can understand how the metaphorical union of Stephen and Bloom which is established by the discourse is not sustained by the story; for Stephen and Bloom form no lasting bond, and they separate at the end with little possibility of renewing their relationship. Stephen declines Bloom’s offer of lodging and disappears into the night. Is it too much to say that while the discourse or metaphorical level affirms Stephen’s acceptance of Bloom as the necessary father figure and implies his future maturation, the story does not substantiate this?