Ulysses · Chapter
XV explained
In this hallucinatory episode, Leopold Bloom is transformed into a fantastical figure—a lord mayor, a messianic leader, and a builder of the new Bloomusalem—as he parades through a surreal Dublin filled with pageantry, political satire, and
What happens
In this hallucinatory episode, Leopold Bloom is transformed into a fantastical figure—a lord mayor, a messianic leader, and a builder of the new Bloomusalem—as he parades through a surreal Dublin filled with pageantry, political satire, and grotesque comedy. The chapter juxtaposes Bloom's grandiose visions with tender moments, including his silent vigil over the sleeping Stephen Dedalus and a vision of his deceased son Rudy as a fairy boy. The narrative blends civic ceremony, bawdy humor, and deep paternal longing.
Themes in this chapter
Fatherhood and Filial Relations
Bloom's vision of his dead son Rudy and his protective stance over Stephen highlight the theme of paternal longing and surrogate fatherhood.
The Ordinary and the Epic
The chapter transforms Bloom's mundane identity into an epic, messianic figure, blending the quotidian with grandiose fantasy.
Nationalism and Colonialism
The parade includes Irish nationalist symbols, British military regiments, and references to colonial conflicts, satirizing both imperial and nationalist rhetoric.
Characters to notice
- Leopold Bloom
Bloom is the central figure of this hallucinatory sequence, appearing as a lord mayor, messianic figure, and tender guardian over Stephen.
- Stephen Dedalus
Stephen is shown asleep or unconscious, murmuring fragments of poetry, while Bloom watches over him.
- Zoe Higgins
Zoe interacts with Bloom in the brothel, teasing him and asking for a cigarette.
- Rudy Bloom
Rudy appears as a vision—a fairy boy in an Eton suit, reading and smiling, representing Bloom's lost son.
- John Howard Parnell
He appears as city marshal leading the fantastical procession.
- Tom Kernan
Tom Kernan is among the crowd, praising Bloom during the procession.
- John Wyse Nolan
He is present in the crowd, commenting on James Stephens.
- The Man in the Macintosh
A mysterious figure who appears to denounce Bloom as a fireraiser.
Key passages
“Mankind is incorrigible. Sir Walter Raleigh brought from the new world that potato and that weed, the one a killer of pestilence by absorption, the other a poisoner of the ear, eye, heart, memory, will, understanding, all.”
Bloom delivers a mock-serious speech about how Sir Walter Raleigh introduced both the potato (a life-saving crop) and tobacco (a harmful drug) to Europe, illustrating humanity's flawed nature.
This reflects Bloom's ironic commentary on progress and human folly.
“I, Bloom, tell you verily it is even now at hand. Yea, on the word of a Bloom, ye shall ere long enter into the golden city which is to be, the new Bloomusalem in the Nova Hibernia of the future.”
Bloom proclaims himself a messianic figure, promising a utopian future in a fantastical new Dublin called Bloomusalem.
This parodies religious and political prophecy, blending Bloom's Jewish heritage with Irish nationalism.
“Against the dark wall a figure appears slowly, a fairy boy of eleven, a changeling, kidnapped, dressed in an Eton suit with glass shoes and a little bronze helmet, holding a book in his hand.”
Bloom sees a vision of his deceased son Rudy as an ethereal, fairy-like boy, reading and smiling.
This poignant moment underscores Bloom's deep grief and longing for his lost child.
