THE ROLE OF SYMBOLISM IN SHAPING IDEOLOGICAL AND AESTHETIC MEANING IN JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES

Abstrak

This article examines the role of symbolism in shaping ideological and aesthetic meaning in James Joyce’s Ulysses. The study analyzes how Joyce employs mythological, religious, economic, and bodily symbols to construct a modernist narrative that critiques nationalism, colonialism, religious orthodoxy, and social prejudice. Using qualitative textual analysis and close reading, the article explores symbolic patterns in selected episodes of the novel, including “Telemachus,” “Cyclops,” and “Ithaca.” The research demonstrates that symbolism functions not only as a thematic device but also as a structural principle that unifies the fragmented form of the novel. Particular attention is given to the Homeric parallels between Leopold Bloom and Odysseus, which transform ordinary urban experiences into universal representations of human identity and modern consciousness. The findings reveal that Joyce’s symbolic techniques encourage active reader interpretation while simultaneously reinforcing the experimental aesthetics of literary modernism. The article concludes that symbolism in Ulysses serves as both an ideological instrument and an artistic strategy, enabling Joyce to merge cultural critique with innovative narrative form.