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

Joyces A Portrait of the Artist as a teenaged Man     James Joyces A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is considered tobe one of the finest works of literature of alone time. Herbert Gorman, an authorfrom the azoicish twentieth century, stated that "so profound and well-favoured andconvincing a book is part of the lasting literature of our age," and with near(a)reason. The main character of the novel, Stephen Dedalus, is a complex anddynamic youth, and one who undergoes massive transplants 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 growth debts incurred by Simo n lead to his sonstransferring to a day school. Stephens difficulties at his precedent educationalinstitution 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 carry on 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 keystone at his familystraditional values and way of life.     Religion is an ever pitch 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 finallygives into his desire when he encounters a prostitute in Dublin. From thispoint forward, he views his life as an immoral one and makes many attempts tocorrect it. He goes so remote as to deprive all of his senses from any form ofpleasure. While care 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.