Christopher Columbus, as everyone knows, is honoured by posterity because he was the last to discover America.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Joyce uses irony to state Columbus is honored simply for being the last to discover America.
- In plain terms
- Columbus is praised for being the final discoverer of America.
- What can you take from it?
- History often honors those who arrive last as if they found something new.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we honor Columbus?
- How do we define discovery?
Another view
The point is ironic and relies on knowing the historical context.
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