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II.3: In the Pub (pp. 309–382)

The third chapter of Book II is the longest in the Wake—73 pages of pub scene, radio broadcasts, and storytelling, ending with HCE passing out drunk.

Quick Reference​

DetailInformation
Pages309–382
Vico AgeAristocratic (Age of Heroes)
TimeNight (pub hours)
SettingHCE's pub/bar
Main CharactersHCE, pub patrons, radio voices

Synopsis​

The Pub Scene (pp. 309–337)​

HCE works behind the bar while his customers drink and talk. A radio plays in the background.

The Norwegian Captain (pp. 311–332)​

A radio broadcast tells the tale of Pukkelsen (a Norwegian Captain), Kersse (a tailor), and how HCE met and married ALP.

Buckley and the Russian General (pp. 337–355)​

The broadcast shifts to a pair of radio comedians—Butt and Taff—who tell how "Buckley Shot the Russian General" during the Crimean War.

HCE's Defense (pp. 355–370)​

HCE attempts to defend himself to his customers.

The Closing (pp. 370–382)​

Last call. HCE drinks the dregs of all the glasses and passes out drunk.

The Radio/Television Device​

The chapter prominently features broadcasts:

"their tolvtubular high fidelity daildialler" (309)

This early "radio-televisual device" brings news and entertainment into the pub, layering broadcast voices over the local conversation.

Key Themes​

1. Oral vs. Broadcast Culture​

The chapter contrasts traditional oral storytelling (HCE telling tales) with the new technology of broadcast media.

2. HCE as Publican​

We finally see HCE in his role as pub owner—serving drinks, listening to stories, defending himself.

3. War and History​

"How Buckley Shot the Russian General" reduces the Crimean War to absurd comedy.

4. The Fall (Again)​

HCE drinking the dregs and passing out is another version of the fall—Tim Finnegan's drunken death.

Notable Stories​

The Norwegian Captain​

A tale of how a Norwegian sailor came to Dublin, met a tailor, and married his daughter—an origin story for HCE and ALP.

Buckley and the Russian General​

An Irish soldier (Buckley) sees a Russian general defecating on the battlefield. He can't shoot a man with his pants down. But when the general wipes himself with a piece of turf (Irish soil), Buckley fires.

Notable Passages​

The Radio (p. 309)​

"their tolvtubular high fidelity daildialler"

Butt and Taff (pp. 338–355)​

The radio comedians—eventually they "unite to become Buckley."

HCE Drinks the Dregs (pp. 380–382)​

HCE consumes all remaining alcohol and collapses.

Characters in This Chapter​

CharacterAppears AsRole
HCEPublicanHost / defender
Pub patronsThemselvesAudience
Butt and TaffRadio comediansTell Buckley story
Norwegian CaptainBroadcast taleHCE's origin
The Russian GeneralBroadcast taleWar victim

Scholarly Interest​

A DePaul University thesis analyzes this chapter as "oral poetry in the age of mechanical reproduction"—Joyce using ancient storytelling techniques to resist mass culture's totalizing effects.

Audio Resources​

ResourceNotes
One Little GoatVideo with subtitles
Patrick Healy readingComplete audio
Waywords and MeansignsMusical settings

Reading Tips​

  1. This is the longest chapter — Take breaks
  2. Listen for the broadcasts — They're distinguished from pub talk
  3. The comedy is intentional — Buckley and the General is meant to be absurd
  4. Watch HCE fall — The ending mirrors Finnegan's fall

Further Reading​

  • Campbell & Robinson, A Skeleton Key, Chapter 11 commentary
  • McHugh, Annotations to Finnegans Wake, pages 309–382
  • FWEET — Search "309.01" onward
  • Joshua Brown, "Finnegans Wake ii.3 as oral poetry" (DePaul thesis)

See Also​