Jesuitry in James Joyces Ulysses

This paper examines the concept of Jesuitry and its negative connotations in James Joyce's Ulysses. Historically, this religious order, which was often viewed as fearful, criminal, outlaw and suspicious organization, resonates in the novel's themes and characters. For instance, the Jesuit's reputation for subtlety, craft and deviousness relate perfectly to the themes of nostalgia, alienation and disconnectedness. The paper also analyzes selected passages from the text of Ulysses to look at the appropriateness of applying jesuitness to characters in the novel, in particular Bloom, Stephen and Father Conmee.