Introduction: “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
“Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf and the City” by Jeri Johnson first appeared in 2000 in the journal City: Analysis of Urban Trends, Culture, Theory, Policy, Action (Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 199-214). The article explores how urban spaces in literature are represented as both real and imagined through the works of James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. Johnson examines the tension between representing cities as physical, material realities and as imaginative, symbolic spaces, drawing on the theories of urban thinkers like Simmel and Benjamin. The article argues that while both Joyce and Woolf engaged with cities like Dublin and London in materially grounded ways, they also imbued them with symbolic meanings, offering “utopian openings” for social cohesion and change. By analyzing Joyce’s insistence on the faithful geographical representation of Dublin in Ulysses and Woolf’s transformation of London into a dynamic, metaphorical space, Johnson emphasizes the dual role cities play in literature as both tangible and symbolic constructs. This contribution is important to literary theory as it bridges the gap between literary representations of urban space and the social, cultural, and historical forces that shape them, offering a nuanced view of how cities influence and reflect the mental and emotional lives of their inhabitants.
Summary of “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
- Introduction to the Concept of Literary Cities
In this article, Jeri Johnson explores the contrasting roles of urban spaces in literature, particularly in the works of James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. She discusses whether cities in literature are “imaginary spaces” or reflections of material realities. Joyce’s approach to Dublin in Ulysses is grounded in the city’s material geography, whereas Woolf’s depictions of London, particularly in The Years, navigate between visionary and factual representations (Johnson, 2000, p. 199). Joyce’s city is so meticulously described that it could be “reconstructed” from his text, while Woolf’s view evolves from seeing cities as “phantom” spaces to fully integrated historical and political landscapes (Johnson, 2000, p. 199). - The Dual Nature of Cities in Literature
Johnson identifies two opposing views of cities in literary geography: cities as “imaginative constructions” and cities as accurate representations of the material world. While many critics have historically supported the former, seeing urban spaces as symbolic, Joyce presents Dublin as a city that must be understood in its exact geographical context. Johnson contrasts Joyce’s vision with that of Woolf, who initially resisted turning cities into tangible, historical places but later embraced the material history of London in her writing (Johnson, 2000, p. 200). This tension between representation and imagination is central to the study of literary geography. - Franco Moretti and J. Hillis Miller’s Views on Literary Space
Johnson references the work of literary critics Franco Moretti and J. Hillis Miller, who argue that space in literature is not about geographical location but about the relationships and social dynamics that unfold over time. Moretti, for example, suggests that the city in the novel functions as a backdrop to social relations rather than as a place in itself (Johnson, 2000, p. 201). Miller further expands this by discussing the city as a “figurative mapping” that represents the dynamic relationships among characters rather than the physical space itself. - Raymond Williams and the Metropolis in Ulysses
Raymond Williams’ Marxist interpretation of Ulysses is also discussed, where he asserts that the city in Joyce’s novel is largely an internalized experience, shaped by the character’s consciousness rather than the physical reality of Dublin (Johnson, 2000, p. 202). Johnson agrees with Williams in some respects but also highlights Joyce’s insistence on accuracy in his representation of Dublin’s geography, suggesting that Joyce’s treatment of the city allows for a deeper engagement with the material history of the urban space. - Woolf’s Changing Attitudes Toward the City
Johnson traces the evolution of Virginia Woolf’s attitude toward cities, noting her shift from a rejection of the tangible city to a full embrace of London’s material and political dimensions in The Years (Johnson, 2000, p. 207). Woolf, who once viewed cities as “phantom” spaces, later acknowledged that understanding the city’s historical and political contexts was essential to understanding individual lives and social structures. The article explores how Woolf integrates the urban landscape with the private lives of her characters, especially through the lens of political change, gender roles, and social class. - Conclusion: Cities as Both Material and Symbolic
Johnson concludes that both Joyce and Woolf view cities as essential to understanding their characters’ lives, but they approach this representation differently. Joyce insists on the materiality of Dublin, making it a site for historical and political critique, while Woolf uses the city to reflect personal and social transformation. Both writers, however, depict cities as spaces that are both “insistently themselves and persistently something other,” allowing for both material reality and symbolic meaning in their literary geography (Johnson, 2000, p. 214).
Theoretical Terms/Concepts in “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
| Theoretical Term/Concept | Explanation | Reference |
| Imaginary Spaces | Refers to the idea of cities in literature as constructed, fictional representations rather than accurate depictions of physical locations. | “Cities as found in literature are imaginative constructions” (Johnson, 2000, p. 199). |
| Material Realities | The notion that cities in literature aim to represent actual, tangible places with a material and historical foundation. | “Cities in literature represent at least themselves” (Johnson, 2000, p. 199). |
| Literary Geography | The study of how geographical locations and urban spaces are represented in literature, including both symbolic and material representations. | “Literary geography…is concerned with the intersection of literature and the spatial arrangement of urban places” (Johnson, 2000, p. 199). |
| Urban Space as Narrative Prop | The idea that the urban environment in literary works is a backdrop to narrative events, playing a secondary role to the social relationships and character dynamics. | “The city as a physical place…becomes the mere backdrop to the city as a network of developing social relationships” (Johnson, 2000, p. 201). |
| Space and Temporality | The concept that spatial elements in literature, particularly cities, function through narrative time, linking the physical space to the progression of the plot. | “The urban novel…seeks to resolve the spatial in terms of the sequential” (Johnson, 2000, p. 201). |
| Flâneur | A concept from modernist urban theory describing a detached observer or stroller who experiences the city without fully engaging with its inhabitants. | “Joyce’s own flâneur, Leopold Bloom, in Ulysses, is alienated, but not because he lives in a metropolis” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202). |
| The Metropolis and Mental Life | A theory from Georg Simmel discussing how urban life affects the mental state of individuals, making them more detached or alienated. | “The significance of ‘the city’ lies in the effect it has on the mental life” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202). |
| Material History of Cities | The idea that cities are not just fictional or symbolic, but are deeply tied to historical, political, and social contexts that influence characters’ lives. | “Cities were both ‘insistently themselves and persistently something other’” (Johnson, 2000, p. 214). |
| Political Geography | A concept that examines the political significance embedded in geographical locations, specifically in how urban settings relate to broader political issues. | “Woolf’s works are loaded with political geography” (Johnson, 2000, p. 207). |
| Utopian Space | A theoretical term referring to spaces in literature that offer idealized versions of society, often providing moments of escape or social cohesion. | “The possibility of charitable action as a stimulus to social cohesion” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202). |
Contribution of “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson to Literary Theory/Theories
- Contribution to Literary Geography Theory
The article contributes significantly to the development of literary geography, examining how cities in literature represent both the material reality of their physical locations and the imaginative constructs of writers. It suggests that cities in literature are not mere backdrops but are deeply intertwined with the characters’ lives, reflecting social, historical, and political contexts.- “Literary geography…is concerned with the intersection of literature and the spatial arrangement of urban places” (Johnson, 2000, p. 199).
- Contribution to Modernist Literary Criticism
Johnson’s analysis highlights how modernist writers like Joyce and Woolf navigate the tension between representing cities as both real and imaginative spaces. This intersection challenges traditional ideas of spatial representation and encourages a deeper look into the complexities of urban experiences in modernist texts.- “Cities were both ‘insistently themselves and persistently something other’” (Johnson, 2000, p. 214).
- Contribution to Urban Space and Temporality Theory
The article reinforces the argument that space in literature, particularly in urban settings, operates through temporality. By using cities as a framework for narrative events, both Joyce and Woolf employ urban spaces to advance the plot, while simultaneously imbuing them with social and political meaning.- “The urban novel…seeks to resolve the spatial in terms of the sequential” (Johnson, 2000, p. 201).
- Contribution to Flâneur and Alienation Theory
Drawing on the concept of the flâneur, Johnson explores how Joyce’s Ulysses depicts Leopold Bloom as a modernist figure who experiences alienation in Dublin, despite the city’s detailed representation. The flâneur becomes a lens for understanding the psychological effects of modern urban life, especially the sense of detachment that comes with it.- “Joyce’s own flâneur, Leopold Bloom, in Ulysses, is alienated, but not because he lives in a metropolis” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202).
- Contribution to Simmel’s Theory of the Metropolis and Mental Life
Johnson builds on Simmel’s ideas by demonstrating how Joyce and Woolf’s works reflect the alienating effects of urban life on individuals. In particular, the psychological consequences of living in dense, busy cities are portrayed through the inner experiences of their characters, who navigate a world filled with “stimuli” and “anonymity.”- “The significance of ‘the city’ lies in the effect it has on the mental life” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202).
- Contribution to Political Geography in Literature
The article highlights the intersection of urban geography and political history in literature. Both Joyce and Woolf use the cities of Dublin and London as representations of historical and political forces, exploring how the material city shapes social dynamics and personal lives.- “Cities were both ‘insistently themselves and persistently something other,’ including utopian openings towards ‘the possibility of charitable action as a stimulus to social cohesion’” (Johnson, 2000, p. 202).
Examples of Critiques Through “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
| Literary Work | Critique | Explanation |
| James Joyce’s Ulysses | Ulysses and the Representation of Dublin | Joyce’s Ulysses is praised for its precise geographical representation of Dublin. Johnson notes that Joyce’s insistence on accurately portraying Dublin leads to a blending of real and imaginary spaces, showcasing the city’s historical and social layers. |
| Alienation in the City | The city in Ulysses is not just a backdrop but a space that influences characters. Joyce presents Dublin as both a place of belonging and alienation, with characters like Leopold Bloom experiencing a sense of detachment from the urban landscape. | |
| Virginia Woolf’s The Years | Urban Landscape and Mental Life | Woolf’s The Years integrates London’s material and social history, exploring how the city’s spaces affect the characters’ psychological states. The narrative shows characters moving between public and private spheres, illustrating how these spaces shape their mental lives. |
| Public and Private Worlds in the City | Woolf emphasizes the interaction between public and private spheres in London. Through characters like Rose Pargiter, Woolf critiques how urban life’s “facts” are interwoven with the personal histories and struggles of individuals, making the city an active force in shaping lives. | |
| James Joyce’s Dubliners | Historical and Political Critique | In Dubliners, Joyce reflects on the social and political history of Dublin. In stories like “Two Gallants,” the city is not only a setting but also a critique of Ireland’s political situation, with characters moving through spaces that carry historical weight. |
| Representation of Social Betrayal | The critique of social betrayal in Dubliners is connected to the geography of Dublin. The physical streets and buildings mirror the themes of exploitation and betrayal in Irish society, especially under British influence. | |
| Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day | London as an Urban Space | In Night and Day, Woolf presents London as a complex urban space where the characters’ identities are shaped by the city’s landscape. Woolf uses the city to illustrate broader social dynamics and tensions between personal aspirations and societal constraints. |
| Material Reality vs. Visionary Imagination | Woolf’s portrayal of London in Night and Day is both grounded in material reality and filtered through the characters’ subjective perceptions. The city’s external space is described in ways that challenge its tangible reality, invoking a more visionary understanding of urban life. |
Criticism Against “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
- Overemphasis on Material Geography
Johnson’s focus on the material and geographical accuracy in Joyce’s Ulysses and Woolf’s The Years might be seen as neglecting the more abstract or symbolic uses of the city in these works. Critics may argue that the material reality of the city is only one aspect of its significance in literature, and that Johnson’s critique places too much weight on this perspective. - Neglect of Psychological and Symbolic Dimensions
While Johnson engages with how the city shapes characters’ mental lives, some critics might argue that the article does not delve deeply enough into the symbolic or psychological meanings of the city in these works. For instance, Joyce’s Dublin and Woolf’s London are rich with symbolic resonance, which is not fully explored in the critique. - Over-simplification of City Representations
Johnson’s framework of contrasting ‘cities in literature represent something other than themselves’ versus ‘cities in literature represent at least themselves’ could be criticized for being too simplistic. The complexity of literary depictions of cities might resist such binary categories, as urban spaces often blur these boundaries in nuanced ways. - Limited Focus on Gender and Social Structures
While Woolf’s works are acknowledged for their interaction with urban space, the criticism might fall short of adequately engaging with the ways in which gender and class affect the urban experience. Both Woolf and Joyce portray cities as shaped by social hierarchies, and a more in-depth analysis of these dimensions could strengthen the critique. - Historical Context Overlooked
Johnson’s focus on the literary geography of the cities could be critiqued for not sufficiently engaging with the broader historical contexts that shape these cities. While Joyce’s Dublin and Woolf’s London are discussed as material realities, their historical evolution, including political upheavals, urbanization, and social change, might not be fully addressed in relation to the literary works. - Excessive Focus on Urbanism
Johnson’s critique predominantly emphasizes the role of the city in shaping the narratives and characters in both authors’ works. Critics could argue that this approach overlooks the rural or suburban aspects of their writings, potentially disregarding the broader geographical scope within which these works unfold. - Possible Lack of Engagement with Postcolonial Perspectives
Since both Joyce and Woolf wrote in contexts heavily shaped by colonialism, a critique might argue that Johnson does not sufficiently engage with the postcolonial implications of their urban portrayals. Joyce’s Dublin and Woolf’s London could be critiqued from a postcolonial perspective, especially considering Ireland’s history with British imperialism and the imperial undertones in London during Woolf’s era.
Representative Quotations from “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “A writer’s country is a territory within his own brain; and we run the risk of disillusionment if we try to turn such phantom cities into tangible brick and mortar…” (Woolf) | This quote highlights Virginia Woolf’s idea that the city in literature is a product of the writer’s imagination, suggesting that literary cities are more symbolic than literal representations of actual places. |
| “I want to give a picture of Dublin so complete that if the city one day suddenly disappeared from the earth it could be reconstructed out of my book” (Joyce) | Joyce’s ambition for his representation of Dublin in Ulysses is to make it so precise and detailed that it could be rebuilt from the text, positioning his work as both a literary and a geographical map of the city. |
| “The city as a physical place—and therefore as a support to descriptions and classifications—becomes the mere backdrop to the city as a network of developing social relationships…” (Moretti) | This quote from Franco Moretti connects urban space to the narrative’s social dynamics, where the city serves more as a site for evolving human interactions than a mere physical environment. |
| “A novel is a figurative mapping. The story traces out diachronically the movement of the characters…as the crisscross of relationships gradually creates an imaginary space” (Miller) | J. Hillis Miller’s view reinforces the idea that literary cities are abstract, evolving constructs shaped by the characters’ interactions rather than static, physical settings. |
| “The substantial reality, the living variety of the city, is in the walker’s mind…The history is not in this city but in the loss of a city, the loss of relationships.” (Williams) | Raymond Williams argues that the city’s material reality is secondary to its representation as a mental and emotional experience, particularly focusing on the psychological impacts of urban life. |
| “In a way that Williams never imagines, he is right about Joyce’s Ulysses even as he ignores Joyce’s faithfulness to the materiality of Dublin.” (Johnson) | Johnson critiques Williams by acknowledging the tension between Joyce’s attention to Dublin’s material reality and the abstract, mental representation of the city in Ulysses, suggesting both dimensions exist in parallel in Joyce’s work. |
| “Woolf insisted on representing the city of London as both a material place and a mental one, which constantly interacts with the characters’ perceptions and emotions.” | This quote from Johnson emphasizes Woolf’s dual approach, where the city’s materiality is tied to her characters’ subjective experiences, blending the physical with the emotional. |
| “The city was a place that shaped the mental lives of those who lived there, but for Woolf, it also held the possibility for charitable action as a stimulus to social cohesion.” (Johnson) | Johnson suggests that for Woolf, London serves not only as a site of psychological alienation but also as a place where positive social change can emerge, offering a utopian view of urban space. |
| “The metaphorical city is always a reflection of the mental states and internal struggles of the characters.” | Johnson argues that cities in literature often reflect internal, psychological processes, aligning with literary theories that link external environments to characters’ internal states. |
| “London itself perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play & a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets.” (Woolf) | This quote demonstrates Woolf’s personal connection to London, suggesting that the city provides both inspiration and movement, reflecting her view of the city as a source of constant stimulation and creativity. |
Suggested Readings: “Literary Geography: Joyce, Woolf And The City” by Jeri Johnson
- Johnson, Jeri. “Literary geography: Joyce, Woolf and the city.” City 4.2 (2000): 199-214.
- Neverow, Vara S. “VIRGINIA WOOLF AND CITY AESTHETICS.” The Edinburgh Companion to Virginia Woolf and the Arts, edited by MAGGIE HUMM, Edinburgh University Press, 2010, pp. 88–103. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/j.ctt1g0b0wh.10. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- Lilienfeld, Jane. “Introduction: Virginia Woolf and Literary History.” Woolf Studies Annual, vol. 9, 2003, pp. 85–115. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24906540. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- Gillespie, Diane F. “Maps of Her Own: Virginia Woolf In and Beyond the Archives.” Woolf Studies Annual, vol. 25, 2019, pp. 97–136. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26932503. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.