Abstract
This paper discusses James Joyces' "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man". As the story unfolds, the protagonist, Stephen Dedalus' personal vision grows closer and closer to that of an "artist." The paper shows that Stephen attempts, throughout the story, to understand the inspiration he receives, while being tormented by influences that seem to distract him.

From the Paper
"As young Stephen begins his education, we see the descriptions becoming increasingly filtered through this idea that there is an objective truth about things, both rational and spiritual. Stephen becomes very taken with the notion of education, and he excels at it. His efforts put him at the head of the class in essay writing, although his skill at mathematics is weak. His education indoctrinates him with the structures of rationality in he liberal arts, and his religious education, indoctrinates him with a passionate faith for a time."

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