I.4: The Trial (pp. 75–103)
The fourth chapter stages HCE's trial under the name "Festy King"—a dream-court proceeding where witnesses contradict themselves, evidence dissolves, and no clear verdict emerges.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Pages | 75–103 |
| Vico Age | Theocratic (Age of Gods) |
| Time | Night |
| Setting | Dream courtroom; Phoenix Park |
| Main Characters | HCE/Festy King, witnesses, judges |
Synopsis
The Burial and Battle (pp. 75–79)
HCE dreams of burial in Lough Neagh, with a battle interlude.
Kate Strong's Memory (pp. 79–81)
Kate, the cleaning woman, recalls old times at the midden heap in Phoenix Park.
The Encounter Repeated (pp. 81–85)
Another version of the HCE/Cad meeting plays out.
Festy King's Trial (pp. 85–93)
HCE appears as "Festy King" and is tried for his Park indiscretion. Witnesses offer contradictory testimony. The identity confusion between "Festy King" and "Pegger Festy" makes conviction impossible.
The Letter (pp. 93–94)
ALP's letter in HCE's defense is mentioned but never properly delivered.
The Four Judges (pp. 94–96)
The Four Old Men rehash the case and argue over the past.
The Fox Hunt (pp. 96–97)
A hunt for HCE ensues.
Death and Reappearance (pp. 97–103)
Rumors of HCE's death or return circulate. ALP is ushered in.
Festy King as HCE
"Festy King" is one of HCE's many incarnations. The name suggests:
- Feast — The wake celebration
- Feis — Irish festival
- King — HCE as ruler/patriarch
The confusion between Festy King and Pegger Festy reflects the split between Shem and Shaun, the twin brothers who embody different aspects of HCE.
Key Themes
1. The Impossible Trial
No conviction is possible because no one can distinguish accusers from accused, witnesses from defendants. Dream logic prevails.
2. The Letter
ALP wrote a letter defending HCE, but it never reaches its destination. The letter—possibly the Wake itself—is analyzed but never fully delivered.
3. Identity Confusion
Is Festy King the same as Pegger Festy? Is the "Wet Pinter" a third figure? The three soldiers in Phoenix Park multiply and merge.
4. The Four Old Men as Judges
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John preside over the proceedings, representing:
- The Evangelists
- The Four Provinces
- Ancient witnesses
- Remnants of HCE himself
Notable Passages
Festy King Introduced (p. 85)
"a child of Maam, Festy King, of a family long and honourably associated with the tar and feather industries"
The Cross-Examination (pp. 86–90)
Witnesses offer contradictory accounts; the trial devolves into confusion.
ALP's Appearance (pp. 101–103)
Anna Livia arrives to defend her husband.
Characters in This Chapter
| Character | Appears As | Role |
|---|---|---|
| HCE | Festy King / Pegger Festy | The accused |
| Kate Strong | Herself | Memory keeper |
| The Four Old Men | Judges | Preside over trial |
| Various witnesses | Themselves | Contradictory testimony |
| ALP | Herself | Defender |
The Dream Trial
The trial operates by dream logic:
- Identities shift and merge
- Time is non-linear
- Guilt precedes any specific charge
- Exoneration is impossible
This anticipates the longer inquest in III.3.
Audio Resources
| Resource | Notes |
|---|---|
| One Little Goat | Video with subtitles (Chapter 4 filmed at Type Books) |
| Patrick Healy reading | Complete audio |
| Waywords and Meansigns | Musical settings |
Reading Tips
- Don't expect a verdict — The trial is circular, not linear
- Watch for identity confusion — Festy King, Pegger Festy, HCE merge
- Note the Four Old Men — They judge but also embody the past
- Track the letter — It's mentioned but never fully revealed
Further Reading
- Campbell & Robinson, A Skeleton Key, Chapter 4 commentary
- McHugh, Annotations to Finnegans Wake, pages 75–103
- FWEET — Search "75.01" onward
See Also
- I.3: The Rumors Spread — Previous chapter
- I.5: The Letter — Next chapter