Short Fiction · Chapter
Bloom explained
On a brilliant August morning, Bloom is released from Långholm prison after serving nine months for stealing a jacket.
What happens
On a brilliant August morning, Bloom is released from Långholm prison after serving nine months for stealing a jacket. He observes the other released prisoners, then feeds ducks on the bridge, reflecting on his past and future. He meets a woman named Edith, who seems unaware of his imprisonment, and they walk into the woods. After a moment of intimacy, Bloom falls asleep and wakes to find Edith gone and the blue envelope containing his money and certificate stolen.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Injustice
Bloom's imprisonment for theft of a jacket, contrasted with the duck's natural 'theft' of bread, highlights the arbitrary and harsh nature of societal justice.
Illusion and Reality
Bloom's dreams of a new life and happiness are shattered when he wakes to find his money stolen, revealing the fragility of his hopes.
Characters to notice
- Bloom
Released from prison after nine months; feels a surge of happiness and hunger; feeds ducks and reflects on his transformation; meets Edith; is robbed of his money and certificate.
- Edith
An acquaintance Bloom meets after his release; she chatters about common acquaintances and wrongs suffered; leads Bloom into the woods; steals his blue envelope while he sleeps.
Key passages
“He felt it almost as a consolation to see the innocent white creature perform with impunity and entire naturalness an act which in the language of mankind is known as theft, and for which he had had to suffer severely.”
Bloom finds ironic comfort in watching a duck steal bread without punishment, unlike his own severe punishment for theft.
Highlights the theme of injustice and the contrast between natural and societal laws.
“Suddenly a horrible thought came over him and he made a swift grab at the breast pocket. It was empty. The blue envelope was gone—the envelope with the money and the prison director’s recommendations.”
Bloom wakes to discover that Edith has stolen his envelope containing his money and certificate.
Marks the climax of the chapter, where Bloom's hopes are dashed by betrayal.