“The episode of Circe has changed me into an animal.” Joyce turns exhaustion into comic self-transformation. · Letter concerning Ulysses, 1920 Humour Work Writing
“I am working like a galleyslave, an ass, a brute. I cannot even sleep.” A vivid description of the punishing effort Joyce devoted to his writing. · Letter to Valery Larbaud, 1920 Endurance Work Writing
“No pen, no ink, no table, no room, no time, no quiet, no inclination.” A compressed catalogue of the practical obstacles that could stand between Joyce and his writing. · Letter, Selected Letters of James Joyce Difficulty Work Writing
