In the first 17 episodes, one way competition has manifested, which I wrote about in an earlier blog post, is through Bloom’s feelings of being physically inadequate, especially in comparison to Boylan. As we look to Penelope, a similar notion arises, but in Molly’s world, which is especially interesting to consider given the perfection that Joyce paints Molly with, especially in compared to her husband. In Penelope, a similar notion of inadequacy and a need to stack up to other women arises in how Molly talks about her body, especially in relation to her peers.

Beginning on like 476, Molly comments “O well look at that Mrs. Galbraith shes much older that me I saw her when I was out last week her beautys on the wane she was a lovely woman magnificent head of hair on her down to her waist tossing it back like that like Kitty OShea” (18.476). While Molly seems clearly cognizant of her own physical beauty to some extent, this instance follows a trend of bodily competition and constant shame related to bodies and their shortcomings. This moment continues to highlight an anxiety that both Molly and Bloom, and likely other characters as well, experience. Even for someone being touted as having a long list of suitors, Molly’s anxieties related to her body, but also her fixation on other people’s bodies, continues in this moment to appear central in her thoughts. And expectably so, this anxiety is merely fueled by a societal correlation between social and physical capital. Just as Bloom’s physical shortcomings appear to drive his obsession with Boylan coming and seducing his wife, Molly’s own insecurities simultaneously influence her desire to engage with Boylan, given his status as an attractive man.