Faubourg Saint Patrice - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

effects of orthodox religion and able to "objectively" view the methods usedto influence
the behavior of its practitioners27. Recalling Stephen's earlier thought that, "something
substantial he certainly ought to eat," Bloom and Stephen then conduct the final
"eucharistic" ritual of the day (16.1569) 28. With Bloom serving Stephen "Epps'
massproduct, the creature cocoa," they temporarily form a secular version of the "family
party" from which they were excluded (17.369-70; 5.362). After they exit Bloom's
residence in ceremonial procession (17.1021-2), they achieve a momentary physical
consubstantiation with "Stoom" and "Blephen" "each contemplating the other in both
mirrors of the reciprocal flesh of theirhisnothis fellow faces"(17.1183-4)--the margin and
the center are briefly joined.
Nevertheless, as Stephen begins to depart, their fundamental difference resurfaces
as the bells of Saint George's Church chime. For Stephen, with his religious
indoctrination still firmly implanted, the chiming bells stimulate his association of
Catholicism and maternal love, as he again lapses into the Catholic "Prayer for the
Dying," which he had mentally recited the preceding morning: "Liliata rutilantium.
Turma circumdet. Iubilantium to virginum. Chorus excipiat" (17.1230-1; 1.276) 29.
Bloom hears only the sounds of the bells: "Heigho, heigho, heigho, heigho," as they
chime the half-hour.
As Stephen leaves his symbolic father, he has gone full-circle. Unable to resolve
the mental conflict which plagued him throughout the day, he leaves Bloom's residence
with no particular direction, no stated goals, nowhere to peacefully rest his borrowed
shoes, cleric hat, and ashplant. Describing the static nature of Stephen's character,
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