In Chapter One, during his first night at the Azaires' house, Stephen notices Mme. Azaire's beauty, foreshadowing his romantic interest in her. That night, he overhears Rene and Isabelle Azaire fighting, and his offense at noises that indicates a physical scuffle between the two also foreshadows his relationship with Isabelle. Before retiring to bed, Stephen writes in his notebook, and the narrator indicates that he does so every night; these notebooks play a role in later parts of the novel and should be noted as important. The next day, the conversation at the factory alerts the reader to the discord among Azaire's workers because his dyers are currently on strike. Meyreaux is obviously sympathetic to the strikers, a fact that seems to anger Azaire who believes that he, as the owner of the factory, is always right. Azaire introduces Stephen to Meyreaux, and Meyreaux's distrust of the Englishman is apparent. While watching the two men discuss their business, Stephen's mind wanders to Isabelle, foreshadowing their relationship. He notes the differences between Azaire and his wife, thinking the match is incongruent to each of their personalities.
Birdsong