Androgyny and (near) perfect marriage: A systems view of the genders of Leopold and Molly Bloom

Abstract

The essay seeks to analyse the nature of the marital relations between Leopold and Molly Bloom from Joyce?s Ulysses in the light of the spouses? respective psychological genders. The analysis is underpinned by systems theory of gender, according to which gender is not so much a social construct as a genetically motivated and fairly stable element of personality. Thus in Joyce?s characterisation of the Blooms Leopold appears to represent the androgynous man, with Molly as an example of the androgynous woman. This means that despite the obvious difference in biological sex both spouses possess analogous psychological genders, which accounts for a fair degree of psychological compatibility between them, despite their temporary sexual crisis. Indeed, Leopold?s and Molly?s internal monologues betray their mutual emotional closeness, affectionate understanding and tolerance of each other?s foibles, and pride at each other?s sexual attractiveness.