# Chapter XVI explained — Ulysses

> Chapter companion for Ulysses by James Joyce.

## What happens

Bloom and Stephen continue their late-night conversation, touching on politics, personal history, and the challenges of their respective lives. Bloom reflects on Stephen's intellectual potential and the risks of bringing him home, while Stephen encounters the down-and-out Corley, who begs for money and a job. Bloom ultimately decides to offer Stephen shelter for the night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alienation and Belonging

Both Bloom and Stephen are outsiders in their own ways—Bloom as a Jewish Dubliner, Stephen as an intellectual artist—and their late-night encounter highlights their shared sense of isolation and tentative connection.

### Fatherhood and Filial Relations

Bloom's protective concern for Stephen mirrors a paternal instinct, while Stephen's own troubled relationship with his father is implicitly contrasted.

### The Ordinary and the Epic

The chapter elevates mundane details—cocoa, a shakedown for the night, a chance meeting—into a miniature cameo of the world, blending the trivial with the profound.

## Character check-ins

### Stephen Dedalus

Stephen is tired and crosstempered, having not eaten properly for two days. He dismisses Bloom's attempts at conversation and later gives Corley advice about a job at Mr Deasy's school.

### Leopold Bloom

Bloom is concerned for Stephen's well-being, reflecting on his own past political sympathies and the risks of bringing Stephen home. He offers Stephen cocoa and a place to sleep.

### Corley

Corley, also known as Lord John Corley, is a dissolute man who accosts Stephen for money and a place to sleep. He claims to be out of work and deserted by friends.

### Lenehan

Lenehan is mentioned as having had a row with Corley, who calls him a 'mean bloody swab.'

### Mr Deasy

Mr Deasy is mentioned as the head of the boys' school in Dalkey where Stephen suggests Corley might find a job as a gentleman usher.

## Key lines

> We can’t change the country. Let us change the subject.

Stephen dismisses Bloom's political talk, insisting they move on to a different topic.

_Stephen's frustration with Ireland's stagnation and his desire to avoid heavy conversation._

> I have no place to sleep myself, Stephen informed him.

Stephen tells Corley that he himself is homeless for the night.

_Stephen's honesty about his own precarious situation contrasts with Corley's expectations._

> At least he would be in safe hands and as warm as a toast on a trivet.

Bloom reassures himself that offering Stephen shelter will keep him safe and comfortable.

_Bloom's practical kindness and desire to protect Stephen._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ulysses_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ulysses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ulysses_se/chapters