Agamemnon Quote by James Joyce
“When I heard the word ''stream'' uttered with such a revolting primness, what I think of is urine and not the contemporary novel. And besides, it isn't new, it is far from the dernier cri. Shakespeare used it continually, much too much in my opinion, and there's Tristam Shandy, not to mention the Agamemnon.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ulysses by James Joyce, 1922
The speaker dislikes the modern use of “stream,” finding it vulgar and outdated, preferring older literary examples.
In simple terms: Dislikes modern “stream” usage, prefers classic references.
Key Takeaway
Avoid using trendy terms that feel forced.
Themes
literary criticism
language
culture
nostalgia
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- editing
- teaching literature
- publishing
- creative writing
Key Concepts
semantic shift
literary allusion
cultural decay
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think language evolves positively?
- How can we balance innovation with tradition?
A Different Perspective
The term “stream” may still be useful in certain contexts despite personal taste.
