A lawyer in a 1933 trial called this novel “tedious and labyrinthine and bewildering” – & he was arguing on its behalf
In the Famous Trials category on Friday, October 31, 2025, Jeopardy fans were taken back to a key moment in literary and legal history. The clue referenced a courtroom scene from 1933, in which a lawyer defended a novel by describing it as “tedious and labyrinthine and bewildering.” While the description may sound negative, his goal was to protect the book from charges of obscenity and establish its value as literature. This case became a milestone for artistic freedom and modern literature in the United States.
What is Ulysses?
James Joyce’s Ulysses, first published in 1922, had already gained a reputation as one of the most challenging works of modern fiction. Its stream-of-consciousness style, bold experimentation, and candid portrayal of human thoughts pushed boundaries for its time. The novel had been banned in the United States due to earlier rulings that labeled parts of the text obscene.
The pivotal legal moment arrived in United States v. One Book Called Ulysses in 1933. Attorney Morris Ernst represented Random House, which sought to publish the book legally in the U.S. Rather than praising the novel’s complexity in purely positive terms, Ernst argued that its difficulty and artistic structure proved it was serious literature, not obscene entertainment. In doing so, he called the work “tedious and labyrinthine and bewildering,” framing its complexity as evidence of literary merit. The court ultimately agreed, opening the door for Ulysses to be sold legally and marking a major victory for free expression.
Why This Case Matters
The 1933 decision reshaped American literary culture. By overturning the obscenity ruling, the court set a legal precedent for evaluating works of art based on their overall purpose and contribution, not isolated passages or controversial content. It helped establish a legal standard that protected artistic freedom and encouraged publishers to take creative risks without fear of prosecution.
The ruling played a major role in bringing modernist literature into mainstream American readership. Books once considered too daring or experimental could now circulate freely. The case also paved the way for future legal battles involving censorship, literature, and film, strengthening First Amendment protections over time.
The Jeopardy Angle
Clues in the Famous Trials category often highlight key legal turning points, and this one fits that tradition. The language in the clue might initially throw viewers off, since the lawyer’s words sound critical. However, the strategy behind them proved successful, and recognizing that context helped lead to the correct response. Contestants familiar with literary controversies or early twentieth-century obscenity trials likely recognized Ernest’s defense and the groundbreaking decision.
Ulysses remains a challenging read for many, yet its place in history is secure not only for its literary innovation but also for shaping the legal landscape of artistic expression. This Jeopardy clue served as a reminder of how courtroom battles can shape cultural and creative freedoms for generations to come.
