A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man was an enjoyable book with literary merit and subject matter that I felt helped to expand mind. Though it wasn’t easy to read, the religious allusions, descriptions of Hell, and sexual scenes (that, when analyzed, have a much deeper and significant meaning) were enjoyable, thought provoking, and brought up intellectual conversations that I found be enjoyable.
Another aspect of the work that drew my attention and provided for a great read was the accurate description of Ireland and the portrayal of the struggle that many young boys had to go through when society and family pressured them into religion and priesthood. Though most young men did not go through experiences or mental torture so severe, the general struggles and ideas were similar.
One of my favorite details of the novel is Joyce’s new take on religion. Joyce took religion and placed it into a new light. Instead of ridiculing or praising religion, he was able to provide the social commentary that the affects of religion depend on how each person interprets religion. The contrasting ideas from when all Stephen was able to see was Hell and when Stephen felt safe because he had confessed his sins show two contrasting aspects of the religion. Religion can be something that scares people and makes them act like people they are not. However, religion can also be something that makes people feel safe and causes people to behave in a more positively looked upon way.
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