A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

This semi-autobiographical novel traces the religious and intellectual awakening of Stephen Dedalus as he grows up in Dublin. Struggling against the constraints of family, church, and Irish nationalism, Stephen seeks to forge his own identity as an artist. The narrative style evolves with the protagonist, moving from the simple language of childhood to the complex thoughts of a university student. It is a profound exploration of the artist's need for exile and independence.