Here's why:
* Extensive use of stream of consciousness: Joyce's novel is renowned for its intricate and complex use of stream of consciousness, presenting the thoughts, feelings, and memories of Leopold Bloom, the protagonist, in a fragmented and often non-linear way.
* Emphasis on interiority: The novel delves deeply into Bloom's internal world, showcasing his thoughts, emotions, and associations as they arise. This technique allows readers to experience the world through his subjective lens.
* Breaking traditional narrative structure: Joyce abandons traditional narrative structures, employing free association, flashbacks, and internal monologues to create a more realistic and psychologically nuanced portrayal of human consciousness.
Other modernist works that utilize stream of consciousness:
* "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf: This novel employs stream of consciousness to explore the inner lives of its characters, particularly Clarissa Dalloway, as she prepares for a party.
* "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner: This novel uses stream of consciousness to depict the fragmented memories and perspectives of the Compson family, particularly the mentally challenged Benjy.
* "The Waves" by Virginia Woolf: This novel utilizes stream of consciousness to explore the lives of six characters over a period of several decades, depicting their individual perspectives and the flow of their thoughts and feelings.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other modernist works that make use of this technique. Stream of consciousness played a crucial role in shaping the modernist movement and continues to be a powerful literary tool for exploring human consciousness and experience.