A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Focusing on the intellectual and spiritual development of Stephen Dedalus, the narrative explores his journey of questioning and rebelling against the Catholic and Irish conventions of his upbringing. As a semi-autobiographical work, it reflects Joyce's own experiences and influences, drawing parallels to the mythological figure Daedalus, symbolizing the quest for artistic freedom and self-discovery. This novel stands as a significant contribution to 20th-century literature, highlighting themes of identity and the struggle against societal norms.