A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

The story follows Stephen Dedalus as he undergoes a profound religious and intellectual awakening, challenging the Catholic and Irish conventions of his upbringing. As he grapples with his identity and beliefs, Stephen ultimately chooses self-exile from Ireland, seeking freedom and a new life in Europe. His journey reflects themes of rebellion and the quest for artistic and personal authenticity, drawing parallels to Daedalus from Greek mythology, symbolizing craftsmanship and the struggle for self-definition.