Bloom's Hospitality

In the following passage from the Lestrygonians’ episode of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” the protagonist, Leopold Bloom, helps a blind person cross the street.  Bloom shows hospitality towards the person. Bloom even censors himself so he will not say anything that is condescending to the blind person. The passage begins with Bloom’s thought.

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"No tram in sight.  Wants to cross. 

-- Do you want to cross? Mr Bloom asked.

The blind stripling did not answer. His wallface frowned weakly. He moved his head uncertainly.

-- You're in Dawson street, Mr Bloom said. Molesworth street is opposite. Do you want to cross? There's nothing in the way.


The cane moved out trembling to the left. Mr Bloom's eye followed its line and saw again the dyeworks' van drawn up before Drago's. Where I saw his brillantined hair just when I was. Horse drooping. Driver in John Long's. Slaking his drouth.

-- There's a van there, Mr Bloom said, but it's not moving. I'll see you across. Do you want to go to Molesworth street?

-- Yes, the stripling answered. South Frederick street.

-- Come, Mr Bloom said.

He touched the thin elbow gently:then took the limp seeing hand to guide it forward. Say something to him. Better not do the condescending. They mistrust what you tell them. Pass a common remark.

-- The rain kept off.

No answer.

Stains on his coat. Slobbers his food, I suppose. Tastes all different for him. Have to be spoonfed first. Like a child's hand, his hand. Like Milly's was. Sensitive. Sizing me up I daresay from my hand. Wonder if he has a name. Van. Keep his cane clear of the horse's legs: tired drudge get his doze. That's right. Clear. Behind a bull: in front of a horse.

-- Thanks, sir.

Knows I'm a man. Voice.

-- Right now? First turn to the left.

The blind stripling tapped the curbstone and went on his way,
drawing his cane back, feeling again.”
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In 2011 when I visited Dublin and again in 2013 when I participated in Bloomsday 2013 I stayed at a B & B southeast of the City Centre. Each time I took a bus to the City Centre I passed by the location referred to in the passage. In my imagination I recreated this scene.  While Bloom exercises the hospitality towards the blind person that one should, it is likely many persons would have shown hostility towards him.