link

First time readers, when they come to Lotus Eaters, sometimes (often) begin to conceive of Bloom as something of a philandering blackguard because of his illicit correspondence with Martha and his sneaking around, ogling women. These same readers usually begin to temper these uncharitable impressions about the time they read a few certain passages in Hades. Joyce is building a tower of expectations and beliefs in his readers which he shall, in due course, tear down, thereby strengthening considerably our sympathy for Mr Bloom. To begin to come to Leo's defense...You will note that throughout the day he never long stops thinking about Molly, in past or present tense, sometimes with humor, but never without admiration. He would never consider actually meeting Martha and consummating this flirtatious correspondence. Would Molly remain so true to him? We shall see.