Thinking about sex

Each character has a level of libido that varies according to obscure rules: cycles, times of day, stimulation, boredom, flattery...

Each person they meet or think of has some level of attractiveness, accessibility, risk...

(Prostitutes may be attractive and accessible but risky wrt stds. Clergymen may be attractive but inaccessible.)


We see Stephen choosing a semi-random image to fantasize about.

Bloom understands Martha is just an amusing game he'll never really dare to meet.


Drinking lowers standards, increases accessibility.