What makes James Joyce's ULYSSES great?

I want to read it because I'm trying to cross some classics off my list, but knowing that it's a difficult read, I want something to look for while slogging through. Knowing what makes a particular book "classic" sometimes helps me zone in on what to appreciate about it (compelling plot, unforgettable characters, masterful language, etc) while enduring the less memorable parts.

Randy2014-04-23T16:49:58Z

If you've read Homer's The Odyssey or seen the movie O Brother Where Art Thou?, then you should recognize the similarities between the three. Joyce picked one day in Ireland to describe Bloom's travels.