Can I read James Joyce’s Works?

Photo by Author

I absolutely know that I cannot read Finnegans Wake by James Joyce. I have tried to read it, but the first sentence made me realize that it was impossible. I have read Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Ulysses on many occasions — at university extensions, in book clubs, and as a member of the James Joyce Society of Japan. I think I can read Dubliners and understand most of its literal meaning. However, I have never felt any emotions, such as laughter or tears, while reading. In such a state, can I truly say that I understand Dubliners? A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man affects me in a manner similar to Dubliners.

I have also read Ulysses, but it is more difficult than the previous two works. I refer to annotation books to read Ulysses, but I still cannot understand many parts of the story, and I wonder if native readers can really understand it. Reading Ulysses feels like I’m decoding a complex puzzle. TV dramas evoke emotions in me, but Joyce’s works have never had that effect. I would like someone to show me how they experience emotions, laugh, or cry when reading Joyce’s works. If nobody experiences such emotions, I wonder why Joyce’s works are considered great monuments of literature.

Perhaps these great works require a high level of reading skill and extensive knowledge about literature, which I might be lacking. It’s possible that Joyce’s literary genius is in his ability to provoke thought and discussion, rather than emotional reactions. His works might be appreciated for their stylistic innovation, complex narrative techniques, and deep exploration of themes. Understanding Joyce might mean engaging with his writing on a more intellectual level, appreciating the craft, structure, and ambition behind his words. Therefore, I don’t need to be moved by his works.