Within the topic of beginning and endings, a theme that seemed to pop up throughout Episode 16 was origins–specifically in reference to where people are from. Such a trend stands out considering the convoluted descriptions of characters’ backgrounds or unclear entrances that have filled many episodes to this point.
One blatant example of origins being made clear involves the mention of an origin in the context of an introduction (another inherent beginning): that of the sailor D. B. Murphy. The sailor introduces himself as: “D. B. Murphy of Carrigaloe” (16.415) and continues on to explain, “Fort Camden and Fort Carlisle. That’s where I hails from. I belongs there. That’s where I hails from. My little woman’s down there” (16.418-20). Not only does this moment afford readers a certain sense of clarity other episodes have withheld, it also offers up a moment of characterization–cluing readers into the nuances of this character’s life.
Another moment that gives more insight into a known character comes when Molly’s background is described: “My wife is, so to speak, Spanish, half that is. Point of fact she could actually claim Spanish nationality if she wanted, having been born in (technically Spain, I.e. Gibraltar” (16.876-79). Although Molly has been a significant character throughout the novel, it is not until this moment that audiences can truly understand where she comes from. In mentioning in this at this point in the novel, Molly as a character develops further as a autonomous character, as opposed to simply a character’s spouse.
In evaluating the beginnings and endings of Episode 17, they seem to play a more general role than those in Episode 16. Because of the structure of “Ithaca”–question and answer–each small section functions in a way that is a short ending/beginning. These questions serve a purpose similar to that of a pause, often taking content and clarifying it. Because of this set up, Episode 17 allows for one question to begin a small section, and for an answer to end it. For example, when the question is posed: “What reason did Stephen give for declining Bloom’s offer?” (17.236), a straightforward response follows, “That he was a hydrophobe, hating partial contact by immersion or total by submersion in cold water[…]” (17.237-38). In this short section, not only does it begin by describing an action of Stephen’s (“declining”), but it also gives a direct and clear answer (“he was a hydrophobe”) that leaves readers with a sense of clarity and completion. While this is only one of many moments in which Episode 17 clearly begins with a straightforward pondering and ends with a clarifying answer, it serves to represent how this formatting does more than simply drive the episode forward. It also allows for a significant amount of (uncommon) clarity.
