Portrait Quote

“I will not serve." page 260

          Though this quote was short, it was too the point.  It was one of the strongest quotes in the novel.  An ongoing conflict that Stephen faces is his conformity and his inability to stand up and even fully believe his honest beliefs.  One simple line is able to exemplify Stephen’s transformation at the point at which it became complete. 

          In saying that he would not serve, this meant (indirectly) that Stephen was refusing to serve society. He was refusing to serve his own sexual desires.  He was refusing to serve his parents by ignoring what he wanted, and he was refusing to serve his religion in ways that he was not destined to serve it in. 

          This quote shows Stephen’s growth.  Along with showing the ideal mindset.  Through this quote, the novel is satisfactorily completed. 

"I will not serve"!!!