A portrait of the artist as a young man

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	• A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Penguin Classics) James Joyce Penguin Classics, 2003 - 384 pages average customer review:based on 238 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A portrait of the artist as a young man

When I first started reading this book it bored me. I kept finding myself thinking about other things while mudering the words in my head. I didnt really understand the whole background between the church and the Irish leader, but I did some research in class and the book made more sense to me. When I came to chapter three the book started to hit me more. I could actully relate to Dedalus, although I had never really gone to church. I have always believed in god and always been taught to pray to god, but never really attended church, because of this I have had times in my life where I have felt afraid, because of my sins I have commited. I have also heard alot about confession and even baptism, both things I have never done, which also scared me. The book turned on me and confused me even more in the next chapter when he decides that he totally has nothing more to do with religion and wont even pretend to for the love of his mother. This book overall was alright, I never started to appreciate this book until I was done reading it and actually analyzed it. The stream of consciousness is a very neat approach to a book and draws the reader in, because they think some of the same thoughts in the sam situations. During the this time of my life I am growing older and seem to be seeing things in a different light. I read this book at the most perfect time of my life.

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Not My Cup of Tea...

I had to read "Portrait" for my AP Brit Lit class. My opinion? I do not plan on reading James Joyce again...at least if I have the choice. Joyce is considered a "master" of literature...but in all honesty, I see little point in much of this novel.

"Portrait" describes the life of Stephen Dedalus, an Irish Catholic (for much of the book) and rambunctious artist (for the rest). Three out of the five chapters are completely confusing; I honestly had no idea what was going on throughout them. This is partially due to Joyce's stream-of-consciousness writing style, but also because we are unable to get a firm grasp on the personality of the characters (other than Stephen, of course).

But "Portrait" isn't all bad: chapters 3 and 4 are very well written. This is why I gave "Portrait" 3 stars (rather than one or two). With a descriptive, riveting (and somewhat frightening) sermon given by Father Arnall, Stephen realizes how deep in sin his life truly is, and beings considering a life in the ministry. This is the most interesting part of the book, in my mind. Not only are the descriptions amazing, but also the religious challenges he faces hit very close to home: I too am considering a life in the ministry.

But other than Stephen's brief religious encounter, this book does very little for me. "Portrait" is a "coming of age", "who the heck am I?" sort of novel...which, as a graduating senior, should have meant something to me. And it didn't.

If you enjoy "Catcher in the Rye" (and other such plotless, stream-of-conciseness novels) then feel free to buy this book...you might just enjoy it.

But I sure didn't.

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Give it a try!

I began reading this book with the wrong attitude. More than anything, I was worried that I would have a difficult time getting through it, and didn't even want to try. To be honest, the first page alone scared me to death. Joyce jumps from wetting the bed, to the smell of his mother, to songs from his childhood. (ALL IN ONE PAGE!) Once I got past the initial confusion and frustration, I really enjoyed all that Joyce had to offer.
Coming from a religious household, I really got into all of the Roman Catholicism that Joyce shares with the reader. I was able to relate to the moral and religious struggles Stephen encounters throughout his maturation. On a personal level, I can identify with the many high and low points that occur during one's spiritual journey. It is a great book for teens, who often begin to doubt what they believe, whether they are of a religious persuasion or not.
The best part of Joyce's work, by far, is the stream of consciousness writing style he uses. At the beginning of the book, his writing is very disconnected, jumpy, and rather confusing. But this writing style (which can be a stumbling point for many) is meant to show the way the mind of a child functions. As Stephen gets older, his thoughts become more and more cohesive, and the reader has a much easier time getting through each chapter. By using this style, Joyce shows us in writing what constantly goes on in our heads without consciously acknowledging it.
All in all, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is a very thought-provoking, and even addictive book. Give it a try, even if you are timid about reading James Joyce for the first time. This book has something in it for any person of any belief system.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, page 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

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