Do i need to read the Odyssey before Ulysses? Do i need to read

You need to read both before anything else

You need to be familiar with the story, but they're not mandatory. I think I read once that Joyce actually read a retelling of them by some English author. I'd say being familiar with English (especially Shakespeare and especially Hamlet) and Irish literary traditions. And even so you won't understand a third of the references without help (I'm assuming you're not very well-read if you haven't read the Odyssey). Try reading it on genius.com or joyceproject.org

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