Last Night we played The Leg of the Duck as it approached midnight. Some day I'll get around to learning the words of the Verses from Ulysses, even if they are a bit bawdy.
Just in case anyone is slightly fogged.
Agenbite of inwit is an archaic phrase that originated as the title of a French treatise on morality. It was translated into English in 1340 by Dan Michel, a monk at Canterbury. The title (originally spelled "Ayenbite of Inwyt") means 'the remorse of conscience', literally, 'the again-biting of inner wit'. The English word agenbite is a translation of both elements of the Latin verb remordere 'to bite again', the source of English remorse. The English word inwit usually means 'an inner sense of right or wrong', but its more general meaning is 'reason, intellect, understanding, or wisdom'.
The phrase agenbite of inwit has been revived by modern writers. James Joyce used it at least eight times in Ulysses to portray Leopold Bloom's character as being afflicted by the repeated bite or wound of introspection, self-analysis, and self-awareness: "They wash and tub and scrub. Agenbite of inwit. Conscience....Venus had twisted her lips in prayer. Agenbite of inwit: remorse of conscience. It is an age of exhausted whoredom groping for its god....Agenbite of inwit. Inwit's agenbite. Misery! Misery!"
David--Many thanks for your lucid explaination. I confess, I had no idea of any of that.....and also that I intend to try to read "Ullyses" before I take the dirt nap.
agenbite of inwit
agenbite of inwit
Don't forget to enjoy a glass of red wine and the feety taste of a gorgonzola sandwich today in honor of Poldy.
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by cuchulain54
Re: agenbite of inwit
not to mention some inner organs of beasts and fowls...
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by biggus dave
Re: agenbite of inwit
Madam, I'm Adam. And Able was i ere I saw Elba
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by Shylock
Re: agenbite of inwit
Last Night we played The Leg of the Duck as it approached midnight. Some day I'll get around to learning the words of the Verses from Ulysses, even if they are a bit bawdy.
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by southsider
Re: agenbite of inwit
And coming here of late does remind me of the bile Stephen sees in the sea from the top of the Mortello tower
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: agenbite of inwit
My sister is married to a Joyce.
Her choice, I suppose......
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: agenbite of inwit
Happy day all. JJ and Beckett go golfing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p856CfM64w8
Mr. Joyce lets fly with all sorts of "fecund nuttiness", sensitive ears be forewarned.
# Posted on June 16th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: agenbite of inwit
I spent some time staring at the snot-green sea today
# Posted on June 17th 2008 by Worldwide Pants
Re: agenbite of inwit
Just in case anyone is slightly fogged.
Agenbite of inwit is an archaic phrase that originated as the title of a French treatise on morality. It was translated into English in 1340 by Dan Michel, a monk at Canterbury. The title (originally spelled "Ayenbite of Inwyt") means 'the remorse of conscience', literally, 'the again-biting of inner wit'. The English word agenbite is a translation of both elements of the Latin verb remordere 'to bite again', the source of English remorse. The English word inwit usually means 'an inner sense of right or wrong', but its more general meaning is 'reason, intellect, understanding, or wisdom'.
The phrase agenbite of inwit has been revived by modern writers. James Joyce used it at least eight times in Ulysses to portray Leopold Bloom's character as being afflicted by the repeated bite or wound of introspection, self-analysis, and self-awareness: "They wash and tub and scrub. Agenbite of inwit. Conscience....Venus had twisted her lips in prayer. Agenbite of inwit: remorse of conscience. It is an age of exhausted whoredom groping for its god....Agenbite of inwit. Inwit's agenbite. Misery! Misery!"
# Posted on June 17th 2008 by dafydd
Re: agenbite of inwit
David--Many thanks for your lucid explaination. I confess, I had no idea of any of that.....and also that I intend to try to read "Ullyses" before I take the dirt nap.
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by hauke