THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE BODY IN “PENELOPE”
In: Joyce, "Penelope" and the BodySearch for other papers by PAUL O'HANRAHAN in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
This paper explores the significance of geographical locations in “Penelope” in relation to the form and behaviour of the body. In Molly’s reflections, Gibraltar in the warm south of the continent, tends to be associated with heat, the outdoors and physical expressiveness, while life in Dublin is characterised by a cold climate, illness, disease, and the hardships attendant upon economic privation. However, these polarities are not absolute: Dublin and Gibraltar share colonial histories and the oppressive presence of dogmatic religion. In addition, the two places interweave and overlap in Molly’s reminiscences until it is difficult to distinguish between them. At the episode’s climax, the intensity generated by the warmth of human bodily love fuses the locations, with the fiery sea of Gibraltar subsumed in the sun shining on Howth.