The heaventree of stars hung with humid nightblue fruit.
James JoyceRead
It is a symbol of Irish art. The cracked looking-glass of a servant.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the complexity of identity and perception in art, particularly within the context of Irish culture.
James Joyce's quote alludes to how Irish art can be seen as a reflection of societal conditions and personal experiences. The 'cracked looking-glass' metaphor suggests that what we perceive is not always clear or perfect; it implies that the experiences of those in service and their perspectives are often distorted, yet they still represent a significant aspect of Irish identity and artistic expression.
Themes
Irish ArtIdentityPerceptionReflectionSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on Irish literature, one might use this quote to illustrate the relationship between art and cultural identity.
More from James Joyce
All quotes βI think a child should be allowed to take his father's or mother's name at will on coming of age. Paternity is a legal fiction.
James JoyceRead
If he had smiled why would he have smiled? To reflect that each one who enters imagines himself to be the first to enter whereas he is always the last term of a preceding series even if the first term of a succeeding one, each imagining himself to be first, last, only and alone whereas he is neither first nor last nor only nor alone in a series originating in and repeated to infinity.
James JoyceRead
Gentle lady, do not sing Sad songs about the end of love; Lay aside sadness and sing How love that passes is enough. Sing about the long deep sleep Of lovers that are dead, and how In the grave all love shall sleep: Love is aweary now.
James JoyceRead
I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.
James JoyceRead
The movements which work revolutions in the world are born out of the dreams and visions in a peasant's heart on the hillside.
James JoyceRead
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