59 pages • 1 hour read
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
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Book Brief
329
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • Early 20th century
1916
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man follows Stephen Dedalus as he grows up in Ireland at the end of the 19th century, experiencing educational, political, and artistic awakenings that shape his identity. From strict Jesuit schooling and religious tension to a struggle with faith and eventual artistic enlightenment, Stephen's journey depicts his increasing alienation and desire to leave Ireland for his artistic dreams. The novel addresses corporal punishment and intense religious influence.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Challenging
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
158,793 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is celebrated for its innovative stream-of-consciousness style and deep exploration of identity and self-discovery. While some readers find the prose challenging and complex, many appreciate the novel's rich symbolism and profound insights into the protagonist's psyche.
Who Should Read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man?
A reader who enjoys modernist literature, deep psychological insights, and intricate narrative techniques would appreciate James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Fans of Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse or Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time would find similar intellectual and artistic explorations.
158,793 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
329
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • Early 20th century
1916
Adult
18+ years
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