"Love between man and man is impossible because there must not be sexual intercourse and friendship between man and woman is impossible because there must be sexual intercourse"

In this quote, James Joyce is revealing his belief that real love between 2 males is difficult due to the fact that society does not permit sexual intimacy between them. He also argues that a genuine friendship between a man and a woman is difficult due to the fact that society anticipates there to be sexual intercourse between them. Joyce is highlighting the social norms and expectations that limitation the potential for deep connections between people of different genders. He is suggesting that these social constructs hinder the possibility of authentic love and relationship, as they are based upon the presumption of sexual intimacy. Joyce's words shed light on the restrictive nature of societal standards and the effect they have on human relationships.