Joyce reveals and criticizes the real state of Ireland through the main character, Bloom. As Bloom exists on the border of the Dublin community, which enables him to defamiliarize the Irish culture, he can be a useful tool for Joyce to use to criticize the Irish mainstream. Irish nationalism, formed to protest against English oppression, came to oppress individuals in the same way as the mechanisms of colonial rule. Joyce criticizes the problems of Irish nationalism by using Bloom, who is made a scapegoat. The men in Barney Kiernan`s pub attack Bloom, revealing the attribute of nationalism that Joyce criticizes. Declaring the Irish patriots to be heroes and mythologizing their deaths, the men in the pub insist on the spiritual and cultural superiority of Ireland over England. They construct the concept of `authentic Ireland` and whoever is at odds with it is considered to be the enemy. As Bloom logically disputes their argument, he is branded as a `stranger` and treated like a scapegoat. Through this, the men bind together their community and reinforce their self-esteem. This exposes the qualities of nationalism, obstinacy and intolerance that result in violence. Unlike the men in the pub, Bloom continuously argues the importance of “love” to solve conflicts between nations. Through this clear contrast, Joyce suggests the qualities which Irish Nationalism should promote.