The novel opens with some of the protagonist, Stephen Dedalus' early memories. He remembers a song that was often sung to him; what happens to the bed sheets when he wets them; the smell of his mother and father; his mother's piano playing; his Uncle Charles, Dante, the Vances and their daughter Eileen, whom our protagonist declares he shall marry someday.
Time elapses, and we get a glimpse into Stephen's life away at Clongowes Wood College. It is a place where he pretends to make runs on the chilly rugby field, but his mind is far away, reviewing warm scenes and smells to be found at home. School is a place rife with competition, bullying, rude language, confusing lessons, and confusing jokes. Stephen secretly pastes a number inside his desk whereby he counts down.....
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