Joyces A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man :: Free Essay Writer

Joyces A delineation of the Artist as a Young Man     James Joyces A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is considered tobe hotshot of the finest works of literature of all time. Herbert Gorman, an authorfrom the azoic twentieth century, stated that "so profound and beautiful andconvincing a book is part of the lasting literature of our age," and with goodreason. The main character of the novel, Stephen Dedalus, is a complex anddynamic youth, and one who undergoes vast changes during the course of his life.The main influences on him are family and religion. As his life passes,Stephens feelings towards these influences change drastically.     Stephens family is very important to him. His father, Simon, plays amajor role in his early life, and Stephen has great respect for him. However,there are instances when Stephen is angered by his fathers actions, and resentshis statements. The growing debts incurred by Simon lead to his sonst ransferring to a day school. Stephens difficulties at his former educational insane asylum are relayed by his father, much to the chagrin of the youngerDedalus. Later in the novel, Stephen loses even more respect for his father asthe familys debts continue to grow and they are forced to move. Once, when thetwo males travel to sell of the family estate, Simon returns to his formerschool and converses with his former classmates. Stephen is upset to hear ofhis fathers wild behavior as a youth, and of his flirtatious nature. He beginsto rebel against his strict upbringing, striking back at his familystraditional values and way of life.     Religion is an ever present force in Stephens life. He attends areligious school from an early age, and is a devout Roman Catholic. He hasgreat reference for the priests at his school, and even fears the rector. Ashis life progresses, Stephen experiences great feelings for women, and ultimatelygives into his desire when he encount ers a prostitute in Dublin. From thispoint forward, he views his life as an immoral one and makes many attempts tocorrect it. He goes so far as to deprive all of his senses from any form ofpleasure. While attending a religious retreat, Stephen takes all that he hearsto heart. He believes that if he does non correct his ways, he will be banishedto an eternity in Hell. Deciding that he must confess his immoral act, Stephengoes to a small parish where he is not known. He begins to overcompensate forhis sins, but to no avail.