Joyce’s Posthuman and Posthumanism

This paper is inspired by Joyce’s remarks on the last episode of Ulysses, where he aims to depict an earth that is both “prehuman and presumably posthuman.” While some critics interpret Molly, in the last chapter as “primordial matter” or a “body without organs,” my focus is on the posthuman aspect, which is closely related to the prehuman. I argue that Joyce’s portrayal of the posthuman aligns with a critique of liberal humanism, as he examines anthropocentrism through the lens of an extramarital affair within the patriarchy. Using Deleuze’s concept of “becoming-woman,” I explore how Bloom’s transformation into a “womanly man” connects with the broader themes of the Anthropocene. The analysis reveals that Bloom completes the process of becoming-woman by seeking forgiveness from Molly in a realm where reality and fantasy blur. Molly, already embodying posthuman traits, affirms Bloom’s transformation by saying, “yes I said yes I will Yes,” leading to their alliance in a new assemblage distinct from traditional Adam and Eve imagery. Ultimately, Molly illustrates a posthuman earth by erasing existing human knowledge.