"You should approach Joyce's Ulysses as the illiterate Baptist preacher approaches the Old Testament: with faith"
- William Faulkner
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This quote by William Faulkner motivates readers to approach Joyce's Ulysses with an open mind and a sense of faith. The comparison to an illiterate Baptist preacher approaching the Old Testament is suggested to show the value of believing the text, even if one does not comprehend it. Faulkner is suggesting that readers must not be intimidated by the complexity of Ulysses, but rather must approach it with a sense of trust and belief that it will be fulfilling. He is suggesting that readers need to not be afraid to explore the text, even if they do not comprehend it, as it may still use insight and understanding. By believing the text, readers can gain a much deeper gratitude for the work and its styles.
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