"A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man": A Review

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the events that led to the spiritual evolution of Stephen Dedalus in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man". The paper examines the significant events that mark moments in Stephen's life when he realizes that life is complex and that following one's dreams is not always as easy as it seems. The paper describes how Stephen develops and matures throughout the novel, evolving from a young, quiet boy into the spiritually aware artist that we see at the end of the novel.

From the Paper:

"One early event in Stephen's life that leaves a significant impression of Stephen is the confrontation in the schoolyard. When his schoolmates ask him whether he kisses his mother at night or not, Stephen becomes aware of a difference between them. Tracey Schwarze, in her article, "Silencing Stephen: colonial pathologies in Victorian Dublin," states that "Stephen's need for an exalted place in the school yard hierarchy is a direct result of the oppression he experiences there" (Schwarze). Stephen struggles and feels "his whole body hot and confused" (Joyce 14) because he does now the answer to the question. Both replies to this question cause the other to laugh at Stephen. As a result, Stephen tries to figure out "what was the right answer."

More papers on "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man": A Review:

• Book Review # 50215 : "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
• Analytical Essay # 34700 : "Freedom in "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
• Essay # 36290 : "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: