Like any other book by Joyce, A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man is a masterpiece that revolves around Stephen Dedalus. In this novel, Joyce utilizes linguistic devices and vivid language to throw light on a number of thought provoking subjects. Joyce throws light on the events that took place in his early life at Ireland. Several characters present in this novel represent individuals who were a part of Joyce’s life.
The readers are also provided insights into certain events in the life of Joyce, which had a great impact on him. Throughout the book, Joyce makes use of Irish colloquial language, which helps take the readers back in time, where these events occurred. Stephen is a young lad who grew up in County Kildare, Ireland. He is then made to attend Clongowes Wood College, which is a Jesuit boys school. However, he finds it extremely difficult to fit in, and is often punished by the Fathers at the school. Due to his family’s decreasing finances, he is required to quit Clongowes. He then starts studying at Belvedere, Dublin, where he begins winning essay-writing competitions. This provides him with a decent amount of money to support his family.
However, Stephen begins to get involved with prostitutes, which is contrary to his Catholic beliefs, and this causes him to feel extremely guilty. He is also disturbed with past memories of his first, true love. He is then filled with regret due to giving into many sins, and hears a priest speak about hell, which completely terrifies him. He then searches for a chapel to confess his sins, and he resolves to lead a disciplined life. He begins studying at the university, during which time he alienates himself completely from society, and spends his time writing and reading. Stephen then chooses to follow his decision of becoming an artist.
Hardcover