A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Focusing on the journey of young Stephen Dedalus, this novel delves into his religious and intellectual awakening as he grapples with his identity and the nature of artistry. Through modernist storytelling, Joyce examines the sacrifices an artist must make, culminating in Stephen's choice to abandon his family and friends for a life of creation. The narrative reflects the theme of isolation inherent in the artist's path, drawing parallels to the mythological figure Daedalus, highlighting the complexities of artistic ambition and self-discovery.