In the first full-length study of Joyce's direct and indirect use of alchemical allusions, DiBernard shows how an awareness of the alchemical metaphor guides a reader through the richness of Finnegans Wake. For example, the alchemical transmutation of lead into gold parallels the transmutation of the dross and commotion of ordinary life into a work of art.

This study shows how the themes of Joyce's novel-death and rebirth, the conflict between physical and spiritual, incest, colors, forgery, and the reconciliation of opposites-relate to the alchemical process. The author then presents a theory, based on alchemical metaphor, on the much debated subject of Joyce's view of the artist.
Reviews
This study shows how the themes of Joyce's novel-death and rebirth, the conflict between physical and spiritual, incest, colors, forgery, and the reconciliation of opposites-relate to the alchemical process. The author then presents a theory, based on alchemical metaphor, on the much debated subject of Joyce's view of the artist.



Book Information
ISBN 9780873954297
Author Barbara DiBernard
Format Paperback
Page Count 163
Imprint State University of New York Press
Publisher State University of New York Press
Weight(grams) 254g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm