MACMILLAN - The Sound of Finnegans Wake - Literary Analysis

Explore the deep connection between sound and meaning in James Joyce's masterpiece. This scholarly work by MACMILLAN provides a detailed analysis of the musical layers found within Finnegans Wake. By examining phonetic symbolism, rhythm, pitch-contours, motifs, and songs, the text demonstrates how Joyce's writing functions as a musical experience, especially when read aloud. This book challenges the common literary assumption that the relationship between sound and meaning is merely arbitrary. Instead, it offers a linguistic perspective that reveals the intentionality behind the prose. For students, linguists, and fans of Joyce, this study provides a fresh way to understand the auditory dimensions of his complex work. The final chapter includes a long analysis of Joyce's own readings from the book, offering a unique look at how the author approached his own text.