The character of Leopold Bloom was based on Alfred H Hunter, a friend of Joyce's father who had once helped him recover after an alcohol fueled fight.
There is no heresy or no philosophy which is so abhorrent to the church as a human being. [from a letter, 22 Nov. 1902, in which Joyce declared his intention of leaving Ireland for good]
Forging in the smithy of his soul the uncreated conscience of his race
Aquarius
James Augustine Aloysius Joyce
Dublin, Ireland, UK [now Republic of Ireland]
(age 58)
Zurich, Switzerland