Telemachus

So state. So plump. Time to Mull it over...

"Telemachus" is the introductory chapter to Ulysses, and the introduction to Joyce's lesson on how to read Ulysses. It is important to note that Joyce was, himself, a teacher for many years. I would not jump to conclusions regarding his pedagogical capabilities based on his literary capacity; great writers don't necessarily mean great teachers (often the opposite). Rather, I will give him a bit of grace to assume that the man knew what he was doing: he has to ease people into the novel.

Reading embarking on their first voyage through Ulysses would be wise to use Ulysses Guide to help ground the physical reality of their reading. While some might believe in tossing their consciousness blindfolded into the sea of Ulysses would be the best way to 'experience' it, I feel it is more beneficial to establish firm footing on the physcial reality of the novel, then allow the reader to voyage in the allusions, writing style, history, philosophy, emotions, and more of the text.