A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

"A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel by James Joyce that follows the life of Stephen Dedalus, a young man growing up in Ireland. The story explores his journey of self-discovery, artistic development, and struggles with identity, religion, and societal expectations. Through various experiences, including his education and family dynamics, Stephen grapples with his desire to become a writer. The novel employs a stream-of-consciousness style, reflecting his inner thoughts and emotions, ultimately portraying the tension between individual creativity and external influences. It’s a seminal work in modernist literature.