The term "monomyth" was coined by mythologist Joseph Campbell in his 1949 book, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," to describe a universal narrative structure found in myths and stories across different cultures.
While Joyce's "Finnegans Wake" is a complex and multi-layered work, drawing from mythology and other sources, it predates Campbell's work.
However, Joyce's novel does exhibit elements that could be interpreted as reflecting a "monomyth"-like structure. For example:
* The cyclical nature of the narrative: The novel is structured around a single night in the life of HCE (Here Comes Everybody), a figure who embodies a kind of universal Everyman. The cyclical nature of the night, and the dream-like quality of the narrative, could be seen as a kind of "hero's journey" that returns to its starting point, only to begin anew.
* The presence of archetypal figures: The characters in "Finnegans Wake" are often drawn from mythology and folklore. These figures, such as the father, the mother, the hero, and the trickster, represent universal archetypes that are common to many different cultures.
* The theme of transformation: The characters in "Finnegans Wake" are constantly undergoing transformations, both physical and psychological. This theme of transformation is also a central element of the "monomyth" structure, where the hero undergoes a series of tests and challenges that ultimately lead to his or her growth and enlightenment.
While Joyce did not use the term "monomyth," it is possible to identify aspects of the "monomyth" structure in his writing. However, it's crucial to recognize that "Finnegans Wake" is a unique and complex work of literature, and its structure goes beyond any single theoretical framework.