James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Joyce’s semi-autobiographical Portrait is considered one of the greatest examples in English of a Künstlerroman, a fictional narrative tracing an artist’s growth. In a manner sometimes ironic, sometimes sympathetic, his experimental novel chronicles the development of its protagonist, Stephen Dedalus, in turn-of-the-century Ireland. As Stephen develops, he becomes increasingly aware of the forces and structures that shape him and limit his freedom. Our discussions will focus on Joyce’s innovative narrative technique and his treatment of gender roles, sexuality, Catholicism, and Irish politics and culture.

Ed Walkiewicz is Professor Emeritus of English and Ann and Burns Hargis Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma State University. A prolific author of works on twentieth-century literature (and a regular Renesan discussion leader), he is the former editor in chief of the Cimarron Review.