Essay Questions

Bring out how the concept of family dynamics is explored in Finnegans Wake.

The writer uses three families in the work to bring out this theme. The dynamics of family are very well presented in the novel. For instance, in the Finnegan family, Finnegan is portrayed as a drunkard and an alcoholic. Because of his addiction, Finnegan literally resurrects himself (from the dead) to get another glass of whiskey which his wife serves. Also, in the Porter family, the parents are more interested in making love but are, however, always interrupted by their children with nightmares. This is another dynamic that is presented in the book.

Show how the religious motif is presented in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake.

Finnegans Wake begins with an undeniable and indisputable religious motif embodied by Finnegan himself. Even though Finnegan is dead, he resurrects himself, and his body is offered at his wake, an emblem of the resurrection of Christ as well as communion. Additionally, the book comes to a climax with a religious Hindu symbol, “great mother,” epitomized by the fact that ALP turns into a river that runs through the world, like the great river, the Ganges