A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Summary

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Here you will find a A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man summary (James Joyce's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Summary Overview

The narrative revolves around Stephen Dedalus, a young Irish lad from the late 19th century, who gradually liberates himself from societal, familial, and religious expectations to dedicate his life to the pursuit of literature. Stephen's early life is largely shaped by his Catholic faith and Irish identity, especially during his time at the religiously stringent boarding school, Clongowes Wood College. Initially, he grapples with homesickness and isolation, but eventually, he finds his footing among his peers. Despite the escalating familial conflicts following the demise of Irish political leader Charles Stewart Parnell, Stephen still cherishes his time at home. Stephen's father, Simon, consistently struggles with managing finances, plunging the family further into debt. After spending a summer with his Uncle Charles, Stephen is informed that his family, unable to afford his education at Clongowes, is relocating to Dublin. There, Stephen enrolls in a well-known day school, Belvedere, and starts to shine as a writer and an actor in the school theater. His first sexual encounter with a local prostitute triggers a whirlwind of guilt and shame as he tries to reconcile his physical urges with his strict Catholic upbringing. Stephen indulges in a series of sins, ignoring his religious past until a three-day religious retreat shakes him to his core. Listening to sermons about sin, judgment, and hell, Stephen decides to commit himself to a life of Christian propriety. Embracing a life of piety, abstinence, and self-denial, Stephen turns into a paragon of Catholic devotion, attending Mass daily. His religious fervor catches the attention of his school director, who suggests he consider priesthood. However, Stephen declines, realizing that the ascetic priestly life conflicts with his appreciation for sensual beauty. On learning about yet another impending relocation due to financial constraints, a worried Stephen awaits his university acceptance news. On a beach stroll, he is captivated by the beauty of a young girl wading in the tide, leading to an epiphany - beauty and desire should not be sources of shame. This inspires Stephen to live life unbounded by the confines of his family, nationality, and religion. At university, Stephen cultivates strong friendships, particularly with a youth named Cranly. Through dialogues with his friends, Stephen starts to shape his theories on art. Despite relying on his friends as sounding boards, he remains resolute in his quest for an independent life, free from the anticipations of friends and family. Determined to liberate himself from all restrictive influences, Stephen ultimately decides to leave Ireland. He aspires to emulate his mythical namesake, Daedalus, and create wings for himself to rise above all hurdles and succeed as an artist.

chapter 1 section 1

Simon Dedalus, Stephen's father, narrates a story to his young son using simple language. Stephen develops a deep connection with the protagonist, "baby tuckoo," of this story. His early childhood perceptions come alive through the cold touch of his bedsheets, his mother's comforting scent, and the approvals he gets from his nanny Dante and Uncle Charles for his dance moves. Stephen shares his wish to wed Eileen Vance, their Protestant neighbor girl, which astonishes his Catholic family. He hides under the table when his family reacts, and his mother calms everyone saying he'll apologize. Dante warns him about eagles gouging out his eyes if he doesn't, which Stephen turns into a rhyme in his mind. The narrative shifts to Stephen's school life at Clongowes Wood College. He is sort of an outsider, watching the other boys play games but not joining them. His classmates challenge him about his background and his father's profession. He struggles in a school competition, leading him to ponder about the concept of green roses. Instead of studying, Stephen contemplates about himself, the universe, and God. He scrutinizes his address written in his textbook, starting from his name to "The Universe." He wonders if all the different names for God in various languages refer to the same entity and concludes they do. When the prayer bell rings, he silently prays for his family's welfare. He ends his day with a vision of a large black dog and an old castle as he shivers in his cold bed. People question Stephen's health, and it's revealed that he was pushed into a cesspool by the school bully Wells, and is likely ill from that. Wells continues to provoke Stephen by questioning his relationship with his mother, and the boys laugh at his dilemma over the right answer. Stephen's sickness lets him avoid class as he heals in the infirmary, looked after by the friendly Brother Michael. The thought of death crosses his mind, and he visualizes his own funeral. His wardmate, Athy, asks him unsolvable riddles while he daydreams about recovery at home. The section concludes with Brother Michael announcing the death of the Irish patriot, Parnell.

chapter 1 section 2

The setting moves to the Dedalus household where Stephen returns from his boarding school for the Christmas break. It's his first Christmas dinner at the adults' table. His family, Dante, Uncle Charles, and Mr. Dedalus's friend, Mr. Casey, await the arrival of the dinner. Casual conversation between Mr. Dedalus and Mr. Casey about a mutual friend making explosives ensues before the turkey arrives, which is blessed by Stephen. The dinner conversation takes a serious turn as Mr. Dedalus admires a friend for directly questioning a priest's involvement in Irish politics. Dante, firmly against this, holds the belief that no Catholic should challenge the church's actions. This sparks a heated argument as Dante refers to the Bible, emphasizing the need to respect priests and obey church orders even if they contradict the Irish patriots' agenda. Stephen, confused by the quarrel, struggles with understanding opposition towards priests. He leans towards Dante's perspective but recalls his father's criticisms of Dante's prior life as a nun. Mr. Casey contributes to the conversation with a narrative about a disdainful encounter with an elderly Catholic woman who disrespected Parnell and his mistress. The story amuses the men but infuriates Dante, who insists religion must be prioritized. In response, Mr. Casey suggests that if Dante is right, then Ireland might be better off without God. This provokes Dante, causing her to storm off from the table while Mr. Casey mourns for his late political hero, Parnell.

chapter 1 section 3

Following the Christmas break, Stephen overhears a hushed discussion between Wells and other students. They discuss two boys who escaped the school, were caught, and are believed to have stolen wine from the sacristy. The idea shocks the students into silence due to its sacrilege. Athy, however, offers a different version of events, suggesting the boys were caught "smugging," a term for homosexual behavior. This idea leads Stephen to contemplate both the delicate hands of a fellow student and those of his neighbor Eileen Vance. Fleming, another student, expresses his frustrations over the collective punishment they will all face due to the infractions of two boys. He proposes that they could rebel against such unfairness. When called back to class, they engage in a writing lesson followed by a Latin class from Father Arnall. When Fleming fails to answer a question, Father Dolan, the school's prefect, disciplines him by striking his hands. The prefect, noticing Stephen's idleness, demands an explanation. Father Arnall defends Stephen, stating that his glasses are broken, impairing his vision. Despite this valid reason, the doubtful prefect inflicts the same punishment on Stephen. Afterwards, Stephen's classmates encourage him to report the prefect's actions to the rector. Initially reluctant, Stephen eventually gathers the courage to approach the rector and recount the incident. The rector promises to address the issue with Father Dolan. Upon sharing his brave actions with his peers, they celebrate him as a hero, lifting him over their heads in triumph.

chapter 2 section 1

During the summer, Stephen stays at his family's home in Blackrock, near Dublin. He relishes the company of his vibrant Uncle Charles, who smokes revolting "black twists" of tobacco and permits the boy to pick fruits from a local stall. Each morning, Stephen and his uncle stroll to the park via the marketplace, where Stephen encounters Mike Flynn, his father's acquaintance. Flynn attempts to coach Stephen in running, but Stephen is skeptical about his potential. Post workout, Stephen accompanies Uncle Charles to the chapel for prayers. Despite admiring his uncle's devotion, Stephen doesn't emulate it. On weekends, Stephen goes on walks with his father and uncle, trying to grasp their political debates and anecdotes from yesteryears. Often, their references confuse him. At home, he engrosses himself in Alexandre Dumas's book, The Count of Monte Cristo, and finds himself captivated by its thrilling romance. He visualizes himself as Mercédès's lover, the novel's protagonist. Distressed by his father's financial irresponsibility, Stephen loses himself in Dumas's fictional world. He establishes a friendship with a boy named Aubrey Mills, who becomes his partner in recreating The Count of Monte Cristo's adventures. Stephen feels a sense of uniqueness amongst his peers and believes he is linked with a superior domain. He daydreams about a future event that will transform him through some mystical revelation.

chapter 2 section 2

Financial hardships plague the Dedalus family, leading to their relocation to Dublin. With his dad preoccupied and Uncle Charles weak-minded, Stephen gains more liberty. He uses this to explore the city and its docks, picturing himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. He visits elderly relatives, including an aunt, but the encounters are uncomfortable and often misunderstood. Stephen starts to feel a growing sense of resentment, criticizing his uncontrollable impulses. A child's birthday party further highlights his detachment; he observes other kids but doesn't participate in the cheer. He finds himself drawn to a girl, E. C., and they share a conversation during the tram ride home. The allure of her black stockings prompts him to recall Eileen Vance, and he wonders if E. C. would welcome his affection. Despite these thoughts, he remains passive. Back home, Stephen pens a love poem for E. C., imitating Byron's style, and finds himself engulfed in a confusing desire for romance. As summer concludes, Stephen learns he must switch schools due to his father's dwindling finances.

chapter 2 section 3

Currently in his teens, Stephen studies at Belvedere College, a Jesuit institution. He is rehearsing for a school play to celebrate the Christian feast, Whitsuntide. Due to his tall stature and serious demeanor, Stephen has been chosen to play a comedic teacher role. After observing others prepare, he steps outside and encounters his friend Heron and Heron's friend, Wallis. Heron suggests Stephen mimic the school headmaster for his character, before they tease him for abstaining from smoking. The friends also inform him they saw Mr. Dedalus arrive at the theater accompanied by a young girl, whom Stephen suspects is the girl he had previously flirted with at a birthday party. They joke around, trying to get Stephen to admit his involvement with the girl. In this moment, Stephen remembers a past disagreement with Heron and others about the greatest English poet. Stephen had chosen Byron, while another student believed Tennyson to be the best. This memory prompts thought about his father's advice: to be a good gentleman and a good Catholic. Yet, these words seem empty to Stephen now. The reminder that the play is about to start interrupts his thoughts. Stephen's performance is a success. However, after the play, he avoids his father and roams the town, consumed by a wave of agitation.

chapter 2 section 4

Stephen and his dad are on a train headed to Cork for a property auction. His father's nostalgic stories and drinking habits irritate Stephen. He drifts off, but a scary vision about the people in the towns they're passing wakes him up. After a prayer, he falls back asleep to the train's noise. Once in Cork, they check into the Victoria Hotel. As his father gets ready, Stephen compliments his singing. During breakfast, his father's attempts to ask the waiter about old friends lead to confusion. At his father's former medical school, Stephen discovers the word "Foetus" etched on a desk. He pictures a student from the past causing a scene by doing this. His dad shares stories from his own school days and advises Stephen to hang out with gentlemen. Feeling swamped with embarrassment and alienation, Stephen grounds himself by asserting his identity. The father-son duo hop from one pub to another, where Stephen feels ashamed of his dad's drinking and flirting with waitresses. They bump into an old acquaintance of his father who humorously claims he's only twenty-seven. Stephen feels detached from his father and remembers a Shelley poem about a lone moon journeying the sky.

chapter 2 section 5

Stephen, accompanied by Mr. Dedalus, goes to the Bank of Ireland to encash a check worth thirty-three pounds that he won as a book award. Mr. Dedalus reflects with pride on the bank's history as the old Irish Parliament building. The family, waiting outside, deliberates on where to eat, and Stephen chooses an upscale eatery. He then indulges his family members with expensive gifts and pleasures, quickly spending all his prize money. The rapid depletion of his winnings leaves Stephen disappointed and regretful. His attempt to use the money to alleviate family tensions and bring them closer together fails, and he continues to feel detached from them. His nighttime journeys through the city become filled with sexual desires. One evening, a young lady dressed in pink, who turns out to be a prostitute, lures him. Despite initial hesitation, he follows her to her room and they end up sleeping together, marking Stephen's first intimate encounter.

chapter 3 section 1

Stephen, at school, daydreams about a hearty stew he hopes to eat later, his longing underscored by his empty stomach. His mind then drifts to his nocturnal wanderings and the women of the night he encounters. He can't focus on the math problem in his notebook, envisioning it as a peacock's tail. He muses on the cosmos, imagining a far-off melody within it. He feels a "cold lucid indifference" take hold of him. When a classmate incorrectly answers a teacher question, Stephen feels disdain for his peers. In his room, Stephen has a certificate showcasing his headship of a group devoted to the Virgin Mary. He is captivated by Mary and takes pleasure in reading a Latin passage about her, enjoying its rhythm. Initially, he doesn't think his veneration of Mary clashes with his sinful visits to prostitutes, but he eventually starts to worry about his carnal transgressions. He recognizes that his lustful sins have given rise to other vices, such as gluttony and greed. The school principal announces a spiritual retreat to celebrate St. Francis Xavier, lauding him as a divine warrior. These words cause Stephen's spirit to shrink.

chapter 3 section 2

Stephen, deep in the chapel, listens as his teacher, Father Arnall, interprets a verse from Ecclesiastes. The sight of his old teacher reminds him of his past at Clongowes, including a nasty incident involving a cesspool and subsequent recovery in the infirmary. Father Arnall explains to the students about the retreat planned for St. Francis Xavier's day. This retreat, he emphasizes, is not just a break from studies, but a time to introspect about the soul and its unavoidable encounter with death, judgment, heaven, and hell. He urges the boys to cast away worldly distractions and embrace spirituality. Mute and contemplative, Stephen walks home with his classmates, regretting the lavish meal he just had, feeling it transformed him into a primitive, oily creature. His self-disgust deepens the following day as he dwells on his soul's disgrace, agonizing over his impending "deathchill." In his thoughts, he visualizes his frail, decaying body on its deathbed, yearning for redemption that seems beyond reach. The terrifying concept of Judgment Day, when God mercilessly punishes sinners, exacerbates his dread. Strolling across the square, Stephen is pulled out of his thoughts by a girl's laughter, which reminds him of Emma. His remorse intensifies as he acknowledges that his lewd actions with prostitutes have tainted Emma's purity. In an intense wave of shame, he recalls his carnal sins with numerous prostitutes. Overwhelmed by guilt, Stephen finds it tough to recover his spiritual strength. God and the Virgin Mary seem distant until he envisions the Virgin uniting his hand with Emma's in love. He listens to the rain falling on the chapel, envisioning another biblical flood. As the service recommences, Father Arnall delivers a hellfire sermon, detailing Lucifer's fall from grace and the horrific punishments that await sinners. He vividly describes the physical torments, including the unbearable stench of decaying bodies and the eternal flames. His description of the unbearable company in hell - devils and fellow sinners alike - is no less daunting. The sermon fills Stephen with dread, making him accept that hell could be his final destination. Post service, he listens passively to his classmates' mundane chatter, their unaffected responses contrasting with his own fear. In English class, Stephen remains preoccupied with thoughts of his soul. When a messenger announces that confessions are being heard, the thought of confessing scares Stephen. In the chapel again, Father Arnall moves on to spiritual torments of hell, which deeply horrify Stephen. Alongside Father Arnall, all the boys seek divine forgiveness.

chapter 3 section 3

Haunted by his past sins, Stephen escapes to his room, fearful of phantom threats. Overwhelmed by a sense of dread, he is surprised to find his room ordinary. A vision washes over him as he lays down, of a desolate field inhabited by disturbing creatures, speaking in tongues he can't comprehend. After a horrifying nightmare, Stephen gasps for fresh air, finding solace in the cleared skies. Engulfed by remorse, he weeps for his lost purity and resolves to confess his sins. Upon asking a local for the closest chapel, he promptly makes his way there, anxiously awaiting his turn for confession. Once he confesses his sexual encounters and his age to the priest, he is granted forgiveness, which fills him with relief. He sleeps peacefully, and the next day, finds himself partaking in the Sacrament alongside his peers.

chapter 4 section 1

Stephen begins a new phase of stringent religious observance, praying each morning, though he is unsure if his prayers can negate his past sins. He structures his day around spiritual rituals, keeping his rosary beads with him and dedicating each third of the rosary to the three theological virtues. He also reads devotional texts and tries to understand the concept of the Holy Trinity, which he finds easier to accept than the idea of God's love for him. In time, Stephen accepts God's love for him, viewing the world as a widespread manifestation of divine affection. He avoids becoming overconfident in his spiritual progress and maintains humility in his devotions. He refrains from looking at women, endures unpleasant smells to deprive his sense of smell, and avoids changing positions in bed. Despite his self-control, occasional temptations and bouts of irritability, like his mother's sneezing, disrupt him. Yet, Stephen finds solace in the notion that these strong temptations indicate his resilience against the devil's provocations. He questions if he has rectified his life.

chapter 4 section 2

After his holiday, Stephen returns to his Jesuit school and is unexpectedly called to a meeting with the director. He feels uncomfortable during a light-hearted conversation about abolishing the Capuchin priestly garb, which the director nicknames "jupe" (French for skirt). This term leads Stephen to contemplate women's undergarments, and he speculates whether the director's mention of skirts is a test of his reaction to feminine references. The director probes Stephen on his potential calling to religious life, advising him that priesthood is a supreme honor but entails significant commitment. Initially, Stephen is captivated by the idea of becoming a priest, visualizing himself in the esteemed, solemn role of performing ecclesiastical duties. However, the thought of a monotonous, regulated life in the church stirs a profound unease within him. On his way home from school, he passes a Virgin Mary shrine but feels unexpectedly indifferent towards it. Upon viewing his chaotic home, Stephen realizes that his destiny is to gain wisdom "among the snares of the world," not within the sanctuary of the church. Once home, he inquires about the whereabouts of his parents and discovers that they are house hunting again as they face eviction. Stephen observes the fatigue in his siblings, seemingly worn out even before their life journey commences.

chapter 4 section 3

Stephen anxiously hopes for positive news about his university admission from his father and instructor, despite his mother's disapproval. He walks to the sea, passing friars along the way but decides not to greet them, doubting their kindness. He muses on poetry and marvels at the light shimmering on the sea. He encounters his peers swimming who humorously address him in Greek. As he contemplates his name's connection to the fable of Daedalus, he sees parallels between himself and the mythical figure who escaped captivity with self-made wings. This thought fills him with a sense of purpose to construct a new soul, allowing him to transcend his present difficulties. Suddenly, he spots a young girl in the water, her dress hiked up. They share a brief look, and Stephen sees her as a symbol of youth and beauty, leaving him deeply moved. Later that night, he ascends a hill to observe the moon.

chapter 5 section 1

Stephen consumes a meager meal and scrutinizes the pawn tickets that his family, increasingly under financial strain, relies on. Mrs. Dedalus, his mother, fears that his character has been influenced by university life. His father, Mr. Dedalus, labels Stephen as a "lazy bitch." Upset and exasperated, Stephen departs and roams about rainy Dublin, reciting poetry and pondering Aristotle and Aquinas' aesthetic philosophies. The tolling of a nearby clock reminds him of his friend MacCann, and Stephen contemplates MacCann's criticism of his social detachment. He realizes he's missed his English lecture but remains indifferent, envisioning his classmates passively taking notes. Overall, he finds university education unsatisfying. On his way to campus, Stephen recalls a past encounter with Davin, a friend deeply committed to the Irish cause. Davin had shared a tale of an invitation to stay the night with an unfamiliar housewife. Noticing he's also late for French class, Stephen decides to head to the physics lecture hall where he encounters the dean of studies. Their conversation about starting fires leads to a discussion on aesthetics, which leaves Stephen disappointed with the dean's patchy knowledge. Stephen introduces an unfamiliar term "tundish" to the dean, deducing that it must be Irish. He ponders on English being an "acquired speech" for him. Stephen's physics class is humorous and ineffective. He later engages in Latin banter with his peers Cranly, MacCann, and others. MacCann requests Stephen's signature on a peace petition, accusing him of being an antisocial minor poet when he hesitates. Temple, another classmate, comes to Stephen's defense, admiring his individuality. Yet another peer, Lynch, joins them. Davin expresses his passion for Irish nationalism, questioning Stephen's departure from the Irish language class. Davin believes Stephen has Irish pride but is too arrogant to show it. Stephen maintains that the soul's birth takes longer than the body's. He shares his aesthetic theory, influenced by Aristotle and Aquinas, about the ideal stasis evoked by artistic work and establishes the ideals—integrity, consonance, and radiance—that he believes every piece of art must embody. Stephen views divinity through aesthetics and imagines God to be detached from human affairs, "paring his fingernails" in solitude. He suggests that art of true transcendence must position itself above humanity's petty squabbles. Lynch hints that Stephen's love interest, an unnamed girl, is nearby. This leads Stephen to question his judgement of her and contemplate her presence.

chapter 5 section 2

Stephen wakes up feeling pleased and captivated, his dreams filled with intimate moments with the woman he adores. Relishing this sensation, he decides to pen a passionate poem he's thought up. He reminisces about a shared experience with the lady in a setting filled with music, their movements in sync, and her comment suggesting he was more of a rebel than a religious devotee. His thoughts are disrupted by a sudden rush of jealousy towards Father Moran's attentiveness towards his sweetheart, Emma. Stephen ponders about a past incident when he expressed his feelings for Emma in a poem, a decade ago, following a shared tram ride post a birthday celebration. He berates himself for such foolishness and ruminates on whether Emma ever recognized his feelings for her. Overcome by passion, Stephen refocuses his attention on the romantic poem, or villanelle, that he is in the process of creating.

chapter 5 section 3

While observing a bird's flight from the university library steps, Stephen reflects on humanity's desire to fly and recalls lines from a new Yeats play where swallows represent freedom. He also recalls the play's criticism, attributing it to Yeats's supposed libel and atheism. As he leaves the library with Cranly and Temple, they begin arguing. Emma, Stephen's love interest, exits the library, acknowledges Cranly while ignoring Stephen, which leaves him feeling hurt and jealous. A young man named Glynn joins them, sparking a religious debate about the ultimate destiny of unbaptized children. Cranly and Stephen continue their walk, leaving the rest of the group behind. Stephen shares a recent home disagreement with Cranly about his reluctance to attend Easter services due to his loss of faith. Cranly, emphasizing the importance of a mother's love, advises him to attend. He provocatively challenges Stephen's newfound disbelief by disrespecting Jesus and observing Stephen's reaction. Cranly suspects that Stephen may still retain some belief. Stephen admits that he feels he might need to give up university and friendships to chase his artistic dreams. He states that he must reject any enforced ideology, even from friends and family, adhering to the principle of "I will not serve." Cranly cautions him about the potential loneliness, but Stephen remains silent.

chapter 5 section 4

The story's perspective now transforms into a diary format, containing daily entries penned by Stephen. He logs disjointed observations about his daily experiences and thoughts. He documents a discussion with Cranly about his thoughts on leaving the university and briefly speaks about Cranly's father. He absentmindedly contemplates on the lifestyle of John the Baptist and remarks on his friend Lynch's romantic pursuit of a nurse. He reveals a conversation with his mother about the Virgin Mary, where she suggests that excessive reading has led to Stephen losing his faith. Stephen, in turn, admits that he is unable to feel remorse. Stephen shares about a recent argument with a peer and his attempt to read three critiques in the library. He recounts two dreams: one featuring a gallery adorned with images of mythical kings, and another where he encounters unusual, silent creatures with glowing faces. He talks about an encounter with his father, who questions his lack of involvement in a rowing club. On April 15, he writes about running into "her"—Emma—on Grafton Street. Emma questions whether he's been writing poems and why he's been absent from the university. Enthusiastically, he shares with her his artistic aspirations. The next day, he experiences a peculiar vision of floating arms and voices beckoning him to unite with them. Stephen concludes his journal with a plea to his deceased father, Daedalus, whom he refers to as "old artificer," to guide him.

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"[The author] says the greatest of art, the masterpieces, are the ones that stop you. It causes a stasis in your brain. Stops time and makes it last longer." - Jim Carrey

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