Explored the connection between "Finnegan Wake" and modern physics, pointing out that the theories of Newton and Einstein in the novel are used to reflect the decline of classical physics and the rise of modern physics. Joyce responded to the spatiotemporal debate with Lewis by constructing a curved four-dimensional space-time continuum as a metaphor for the cycle of human history. The novel also echoes the complementary principle and uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the similarity between language experiments and quantum experiments. Joyce's works demonstrate a profound understanding of modern physics theory. Although he once claimed not to believe in science, the combination of literature and science in his creations reveals the fragmentation, contradictions, and multiple possibilities of the world, revealing the full picture of the universe.

Selected science is beneficial to art

Explored how Joyce was influenced by modern physics, particularly Einstein's theory, during the creation of 'Finnegan Wake'. Joyce gained a certain understanding of relativity and quantum mechanics through reading popular science works at that time, and used metaphors such as the falling of an apple in his works to depict the decline of classical physics and the arrival of a new era of science. He frequently mentions Einstein, using variant forms and symbolic techniques to refer to his theories and life. Joyce compared modern physics with literary creation, believing that science is beneficial to art. Both deconstruct traditional concepts of time and space, reveal contradictions, and emphasize subjectivity. The Wake draws inspiration from modern physics and aims to construct a "world history" that showcases "cosmopolitanism". Joyce does not seek a deep understanding of scientific theories, only using parts that are worth learning from, to explore history, the world, and the universe from multiple dimensions.

The Wake of the Night and Relativity

Explored the connection between Finnegan Wake and relativity in modern physics. Classical physics regards time and space as absolute and independent, while relativity considers them as interconnected and inseparable four-dimensional spacetime. Joyce emphasized the concept of four-dimensional space-time continuum in his novel by using twin brothers Flash and Sean to symbolize time and space. In novels, there are frequent expressions that juxtapose time and space, such as "places with strong temporal colors" and "spatial time". The images of the four elderly people embody four-dimensional space-time, emphasizing the importance of time as the fourth dimension. Joyce responded to Lewis' criticism by exploring the unity of time and space through 'The Story of Flash and Sean'. The fables in the novel embody the indivisibility of time and space, such as "Grapes and Foxes" and "Ants and Grasshoppers". Joyce's view of time and space is not absolute, but rather curved, with events being stretched, shortened, distorted, and reversed in the novel. He proposed a paradoxical hypothesis that the order of events occurring in different reference frames may be different. Joyce reconstructed time and space, juxtaposing the past, present, and future, blurring the boundaries between the three. The repetition of history implies the eternity of history, and the cycle becomes the essential form of time and space. Finnegan Wake constructs a highly generalized and universal world that encompasses all aspects, explores the decentralized laws of cosmic evolution, showcases the tragicomedy of human existence within the framework of eternal cycles, and metaphorically represents the theme of historical cycles and endless life.

Wake Night and Quantum Mechanics

Explored the connection between James Joyce's "Finnegan Wake" and quantum mechanics. Joyce borrowed concepts from quantum mechanics, such as wave particle duality and complementarity principle, to construct the structure and theme of the novel in his works. The vocabulary of "active elements" and "fusion" in the novel implies a hidden connection between literary works and quantum mechanics. Joyce demonstrated quantum mechanics' understanding of particle wave particle duality by describing microscopic particles such as atoms and electrons. The energy release in the novel, the description of the working principle of television cathode ray tubes, and the confusion and reversal of causal relationships all correspond to the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics. In addition, Joyce's exploration of the role of observers in physical phenomena is consistent with the concept of interaction between observers and observed objects in quantum mechanics. The fragmentation and multiplicity of characters' identities in 'Wake' reflect the uncertainty of particles in quantum mechanics. Joyce created new forms of language by disrupting the stability of linguistic symbols to address the cognitive and representational crisis faced by modern physicists in the quantum world. The concept of "annihilation" in the novel corresponds to the transformation of matter energy in physics, while Joyce's contemplation of human history and destiny reveals the fragmentation and multiple possibilities of the world. The Wake not only aligns with modern physics theory, but also unintentionally inspires physicists, such as the use of the term 'quark'. Overall, it reveals how Joyce reflected the transformation of science and philosophy in the first half of the 20th century through literary works, as well as his exploration of the essence of reality.