A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

The novel follows Stephen Dedalus as he navigates his formative years, grappling with identity, family pressures, and the constraints of Irish society. Through a unique narrative voice that evolves alongside him, Stephen experiences confusion and self-discovery, marked by pivotal moments such as his family's financial struggles and a religious retreat. The themes of pride, guilt, and the Four Last Things are explored, ultimately leading Stephen to recognize the limitations imposed by Ireland. He resolves to pursue artistic freedom through self-imposed exile.