Hellenistic religion is extremely difficult to define, given the diversity of peoples and cultures that made up the Hellenistic kingdoms. However, if we choose to look at traditional Greek religion (Olympian religion), as being the traditional religion of the Hellenistic kingdoms, it becomes easier to examine any shifts in the presentation of religions and draw conclusions about the cultural, social and historical significance of such changes.

I've just recently completed a short essay on the use of symbolism in 'The Dead' and 'A Wet Day,' and out of interest spent some time googling the two. There seems to be an unfortunate lack of interest in these stories, at least in terms of blog posts, so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts. Please note that these stories are full of symbolism, and I've only focused very briefly on a few examples. If you have any specific requests, questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us. 

Joyce uses symbolism throughout his short story ‘The Dead’ to highlight the dichotomous themes of Ireland’s loss of cultural influence and her loss of cultural independence. Joyce uses music to symbolise a state of cultural paralysis that exists as a result of a combination of the oppression of the individual at the hands of Western civilisation,[1] the Irish Catholic Church[2] and Ireland’s own inflexibility. The discussion of Julia’s losing her place on the choir highlights these separate yet interlinked concerns by introducing the idea that Julia[3] is being silenced or stifled by Irish society and the Irish Catholic religion.