歷史╱敘述：《尤利西斯》中另類歷史的建構

Abstract

本篇論文目的在於檢視喬伊斯文學創作生涯中的歷史問題，同時探討其作品《尤利西斯》中另類歷史的建構。喬伊斯將歷史視為夢魘，否定官方既定歷史與壓迫人民的權威。論文第一章試圖釐清喬伊斯對歷史的態度，以及歷史在其生命和創作生涯中所扮演的角色。藉由揭露歷史變化多端的特質，以及歷史和敘述的不可分割性，我認為在《尤利西斯》中喬伊斯試圖對抗正統歷史，企圖建構一個反英雄的另類歷史，並意欲為他的母國開拓新視野。第二章旨在探討詮釋、再現、意識形態和歷史之間的糾葛，同時分析喬伊斯在此文本中對於過去事件的再現／誤現。第三章討論喬伊斯對於致力復興古愛爾蘭過去榮光的愛爾蘭復興運動和國家主義的回應。我主張喬伊斯在《尤利西斯》中所建構的另類歷史可作為一種顛覆力量，用以挑戰、瓦解褊狹的愛爾蘭國家主義。雖然喬伊斯的另類歷史只是眾多可能版本中的一種，他為祖國所呈現的新視界很可能成為其邁向精神解放的一大步。

This thesis investigates the question of history in James Joyce’s literary enterprise and looks further into his construction of an alternative history in Ulysses. Regarding history as a nightmare, Joyce attempts to negate accepted history and any authority that intends to repress people. In the first chapter, I try to elucidate Joyce’s attitude toward history and the role it plays in his life and career. By bringing to light the protean nature of history and the inseparability of history and narrative, I argue that in Ulysses Joyce pits himself against orthodox history, endeavors to create an anti-heroic version of history, and intends to provide a new vision for his country. In chapter two, I examine the entwinement of interpretation, representation, ideology, and history. At the same time I analyze Joyce’s (mis-)representations of past events and dig up his underlying agenda. Finally, I discuss Joyce’s responses to Irish Revivalism and nationalism, whose primary appeal is the recovery of the past glory of ancient Ireland. I assert that Joyce’s construction of an alternative history in Ulysses serves as a subversive power to challenge and undermine the parochial Irish nationalist project. Although Joyce’s alternative history is merely one of the many possible versions, the new vision he contributes to his country may well be a giant step to its spiritual liberation.