In 1954, on the 50th anniversary of this day, a group went to a Martello tower before going on a bender
The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, April 24, 2026, appeared in the category “The Literary Year” and read: “In 1954, on the 50th anniversary of this day, a group went to a Martello tower before going on a bender.” The clue points to a famous date in literary history, tied to James Joyce’s Ulysses and later celebrated by readers, scholars, and Joyce enthusiasts around the world.
What is Bloomsday?
Bloomsday is observed on June 16, the date on which the events of James Joyce’s Ulysses take place. The novel follows Leopold Bloom through Dublin on June 16, 1904, turning one ordinary day into one of the most studied dates in modern literature.
The name “Bloomsday” comes from Bloom, the novel’s central figure. The day has become a celebration of Joyce’s work, Dublin’s literary history, and the detailed urban journey captured in the novel.
Why 1954 Matters
The clue refers to the 50th anniversary of June 16, 1904. In 1954, a group of Joyce admirers marked the occasion by retracing parts of Bloom’s route through Dublin.
That group included writers and artists who began at the Martello tower in Sandycove, the setting of the opening of Ulysses. The celebration became known for its literary spirit, public readings, and heavy drinking, which explains the clue’s reference to going “on a bender.”
The Martello Tower Connection
The Martello tower is central to the opening scene of Ulysses. It is where Stephen Dedalus appears at the beginning of the novel, making it a fitting starting point for a commemorative literary pilgrimage.
Today, the tower is closely associated with Joyce and houses the James Joyce Tower and Museum. Its role in the clue helps anchor the answer in Ulysses, rather than a broader literary anniversary.
Why This Clue Works
This Final Jeopardy clue works because it connects a specific literary date with a famous act of commemoration. The references to 1954, the 50th anniversary, the Martello tower, and a bender all point toward the early celebration of Bloomsday.
The answer is not just a date but a cultural tradition. Bloomsday has continued as an annual celebration, making June 16 one of the best-known days in the literary calendar.